Keep the Aspidistra Flying Ending

I read Keep the Aspidistra Flying last year. I'm reading it again and I've bought it from the Book Depository. I came across this in the description:

Quote:

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Despite its poignancy and merciless wit, hope does break through in this book's upbeat ending - a tribute to the stubborn virtues of ordinary people, who keep the aspidistra flying.

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When I read the end of the book, I didn't see it as "upbeat" or 'hopeful' at all. I saw it as Gordon giving in and giving up. I definitely didn't think that his wanting an aspidistra was a positive thing.

What do you guys think? Did you see the ending as positive or negative?

Positive, because he finds happiness and a family.
Negative, because he gives up his ideals, and becomes a slave to money again.
I can't remember where, or what the exact phrasing was, but I heard it was like the ending is neither positive or negative really.