We Were Liars Theme of Foreignness and "The Other"

Let's face it: The Sinclairs are rich, white, blonde, and they own an island. Martha's Vineyard? That's for the proletariat.

So when Ed and his nephew Gat arrive on Beechwood being all Indian and stuff, Harris and Tipper practically have simultaneous heart attacks. Gat becomes a Liar—and, as such, an honorary Sinclair—but honorary is the key word here. He can play with the rich kids in the summer, but he'll never feel comfortable taking a Beechwood boat out by himself, and he'll definitely never be comfortable being Cadence's boyfriend. In We Were Liars,Harris Sinclair doesn't do in-laws-of-color. Ugh.

1. Would Harris be okay with Gat loving Cadence if Gat were white?
2. Can you imagine turning down a marriage proposal from someone you loved—like Carrie does Ed's—in the name of money? Would you give up an inheritance for love?
3. Why does Harris let Gat keep coming back to Beechwood?

The Liars wouldn't have burned down Clairmont if Gat had never come to the island.

Although Gat's a major character, we almost never see his uncle Ed. For narrative purposes, Gat represents them both.