Jealousy is a cornerstone of character motivation in this novel. Whether it's Eleanor's petty jealousy of Rachel because she's beautiful and likable or Francesca's blatant attempts to make Rachel jealous so that she can become Nick's love interest, jealousy weaves its way through many characters. Astrid is expectedly overwhelmed with jealousy when she thinks her husband is having an affair. Eddie is jealous of everybody who has or spends their money better than he does, particularly his "friend" Leo. Their relationship mostly just seems a series of one-ups and stifling the desire to the punch the other one out of envy.
Questions About Jealousy
- How does jealousy serve as character motivation? Which character could be described as the most jealous? Why?
- Is jealousy a result of being wealthy or is wealth used to stifle jealousy?
- How do Rachel, Astrid, and Eleanor act on their jealousy differently? Why?