New York

New York is the main setting in Part One of the novel. New York serves as a backdrop that starkly contrasts financial struggle with affluence, reflecting the city’s dual nature as a land of opportunity and disparity. Lily’s experiences as an unpaid intern in New York highlight the financial precarity and systemic inequities faced by many, emphasizing her struggle to balance her career aspirations with economic hardship. This precariousness underscores the harsh realities of New York’s competitive job market, where opportunities are often accessible only to those with resources or connections. In contrast, Lily’s relationship with Matthew brings her into a realm of luxury and ease, revealing the city’s capacity for wealth and privilege. This shift from financial struggle to affluence illustrates New York's role as a city where extreme socio-economic divides coexist, and where personal relationships and social connections can dramatically...