] This has really been bothering me. Why is John such a toady, even towards his own wife? What does he gain by trying to get in good with rich people (Mrs. Jennings included!)?

] He has money. He doesn't have a profession that could use advancement of any kind. He can't expect Mrs. Jennings and people like her to leave him anything. What does he mean by it? Is it just part of his character/personality?