In The Raven Boys, there is a clear class difference between the residents of Henrietta, Virginia. Blue comes from the normal side of town—she goes to public school, works as a waitress and dog walker to get spending money, and makes her own clothes. Gansey and his friends come from the other side—they all have trust funds and can buy anything that they want. They don't even need to worry or think about money.
The one exception to the rich Aglionby set is Adam Parrish, who feels the class differences more than anyone. As the poor scholarship student at Aglionby, he is deeply aware of how he's out of his element, and just how great the class differences are.
Questions About Society and Class
- Why does Adam decide that he wants to go to Aglionby?
- Do you think that Gansey is actually "stupid about money" like Adam says he is?
- How does Whelk's fall from grace lead him to kill his best friend?
- Why do people in Henrietta hate Aglionby boys so much?
Chew on This
To Gansey, Adam moving into the apartment means nothing, but to Adam, it means everything. He knows that in accepting Gansey's charity, he'd be in debt to his friend forever.
Whelk's search for the ley lines does not turn dark until he loses his status. Once that is gone, he becomes desperate and is willing to do anything to regain his power and social standing—even if it means committing murder.