Joyland

Much of Devin’s moral development over the course of the summer has to do with the conflicting values of money and happiness. Devin is inspired by Mr. Easterbrook’s speech about selling happiness. Easterbrook calls it a privilege and a gift to be able to work in this magical world where they actually get paid (a pittance, admittedly) to give people a few hours of happiness. Devin recognizes something profoundly true in Easterbrook’s speech. Working at Joyland is a privilege and a gift to him.

Devin has a gift for creating happiness for others. His deepest satisfaction comes from entertaining the kids as Howie. When he saves Hallie Stansfield from choking, his reward isn’t fame or money—it is the happiness he preserved for the child’s family. Even when Mr. Easterbrook rewards him with the promise of a favor, Devin spends that favor only for the privilege of staying on at Joyland.

When Devin builds his castles in the air, his visions are never about money or fame. He pictures a modest but happy career and a happy family with a wife and children. Even when his life doesn’t work out the way he imagined, the older Devin describes his job as the editor of a commercial magazine as a source of joy to him.