Wealth's Protection Has Limits

This novel demonstrates that being wealthy does not protect a person against disappointment, death, or the consequences of one’s actions. Throughout the course of the novel, Bret and his wealthy friends suffer the same disappointments as any other teenagers. Bret learns when his friend, Matt, is killed that wealth does not protect a person from dying or experiencing the pain of losing someone. Being wealthy also does not protect a person from the consequences of his actions, as is demonstrated by Bret’s encounter with Terry.

Bret’s wealthy friends have advantages in that they are able to attend a private school and drive fancy cars, but their wealth does not protect them from the disappointments of being a teenager. For instance, Bret is disappointed by the way his friends welcome Robert into their group and even talk to him about Bret...