Hunger by Knut Hamsun translated by George Egerton
The protagonist of Hunger is a true starving artist. He had a falling out with his landlord and is forced to leave his apartment. He now has no place to live and is just wandering the streets. He has a manuscript he has worked on that he sends to the publisher that he hopes will provide him something. He remembers others that he has helped before. However, he is too prideful to accept handouts from them (or even ask for something in return.) The police send him to a homeless shelter. However, he is too prideful to ask for a meal ticket like the others have. This type of cycle repeats many times. He comes really close to getting food or money, but his pride gets in the way. He doesn't see himself as in need, so is reluctant to take. He even asks for a "dog bone" and tries to chew of the mea (only to throw it back up.)
A society can have many resources available. However, they don't help if people are unwilling to use them. Those that have been able to contribute to society may be the least likely to accept that they are now in a position of need.
