Outward Symbols of Wealth

This novel is full of references to the outward symbols of wealth, a parade of images intended to give the reader an idea of just how wealthy the characters in the novel really are. These outward symbols of wealth include clothing and accessories, jewelry, and houses. Astrid, however, is one character who chooses to follow her own sense of fashion and is sometimes criticized for her choices.

One of the easiest ways to determine if a person is wealthy is by observing his outward appearance, the uber-rich characters in this novel take full advantage of jewels and expensive clothes to show how wealthy they are. When Eleanor and her friends meet Shaoyen, for instance, one of the friends “zeroed in on her diamond ring. That rock was between 8 and 8.5 carats, D color, VVS1 or VVS2 grade, radiant cut, flanked by two triangular yellow...