Since many of the characters are filthy rich in The Raven Boys, it follows that there's a lot of jealousy and bad blood going around. Even though Adam would do absolutely anything for his buddies—especially Gansey—he can't help but feel envious of how life has handed them everything. He has to work three jobs and put up with an abusive father just to go to Aglionby, while their families pay for everything.
And Whelk is driven by pure, entitled envy. He used to have everything—money, fancy cars, friends, and a fine reputation—but after his dad was arrested, he lost absolutely everything. It's enough to turn someone bitter. In spades.
Questions About Jealousy
- Do you think that Adam's resentment of Gansey will grow over time?
- Why do you think Barrington Whelk hates his students so much?
- Does it bother Blue that the raven boys have so much more money than she does?
- Why isn't Neeve happy with the amount of power and fame that she already has?
Chew on This
Barrington Whelk has built a perfectly comfortable life for himself, but he can't move on from his past because he's so overtaken by his jealousy. He can't let go of the fact that the Aglionby boys have so much more wealth and privilege than he does.
Adam's relationship with his friends is more complicated than their relationship with him because he is filled with envy for their family backgrounds and financial situations.