Anna Paul Week 9: The Power Money Holds
The Power Money Holds
Power can be described in many ways. In books it is dependent on genre. Fantasy books have magic powers while books like “The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes focus power on money and an individual’s status in society.
The story focuses on a girl named Avery Kylie Grambs who inherits billionaire Tobias Hawthorne’s fortune from his will. The assumption would be that Avery must have been close with the old man yet they had never actually met each other. There is no evidence that truly supports that they have a connection. Yet a random girl in his wil
l obtains billions of dollars over Tobias’ actual family, who should have rightfully gotten his inheritance…right?
Avery’s character goes through a big development especially when comparing her character from the beginning to the end of the novel. From the start, it is established that Avery sleeps in her car and that she worked a part-time job at a diner in order to help her older sister, Libby Grambs. Avery is shown to have no control, power, or status in her community; she had no relevance in society.
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That all had changed the second she had received the inheritance. Avery’s life had changed the instance the contents from the will reading were leaked to the world. Everyone now had either heard or known of her name yet they are the same people who did not even know of her existence before her inheritance.
From her known fame and money, throughout the book, she has the abilities to control and demand what she wants. In this sense, the money she had obtained changed her entirely. She changed her attitude, personality, and even her wardrobe to fit the status that she had received just because of her net worth.
Avery is not the only example from the novel that shows this, Grayson Hawthrone is another. As grandson of Tobias Hawtrhone and the second born out of all Hawthrone brothers, it would have been expected that he would get the inheritance instead of Avery. Even Avery had also believed so. Additionally, he was known to be the “heir apparent” from his family members and also the workers in the Hawthrone Mansion.
“Power was as much a fact of life for this guy as gravity. The world bent to the will of Grayson Hawthorne.”
The novel does not stray away from reality in which money truly does control power. It does not matter if that person uses it for the better or worse of the world. It only matters that they have it at their disposal. In short, money powers everything that a person has.
Bonjour Anna! Once again I was enthused to find another one of your book reviews in one of the lovely blogs that we have this week. Power is definitely a topic that can be interpreted in different ways and, to put it lightly, money is most definitely something humans associate with power. Although I have never read the book that you reviewed I think that the same concept still applies. People love money. People will die for money. But it brings up the question if money is what really has the power or if it is something else. Like what money can buy. I think something that is so appealing about money is that it provides opportunities and freedom to do whatever you want. Money basically equals indulgence. It is natural for people to want to indulge themselves and live easily and without challenge which is why we so adamantly pursue this promise that comes with money. It is strange then that money is also termed “the root of all evil.” I wonder if maybe humans weren’t really designed to possess such indulgent amounts of money, and maybe our preoccupation with what money promises is what gives it power.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! I have not read "The Inheritance Games" but I enjoyed your thorough analysis of the influence of power and money in this book. It made me think about whether true power transcends material wealth. Avery's story illustrates how money can change lives, however, it evaluates whether or not it really encompass genuine power. I believe that power is beyond financial status, but rather about connections, empathy, and personal growth. I agree with Mai in that money equates indulgence, money provides the comfort and a safety net to be able to take risks. Similarly, Avery's instant change in financial standing allows her to focus on things other than making ends meet. When Avery's status increases due to her wealth, the surprising reaction from the expected heir also affects his assumed wealth and thereby power. Again, I think Mai brings up an interesting point when money provides comfort while also being attributed to evil, making me conclude that "too much" comfort can also have a negative impact. I disagree with the idea that money is all that define power, though it can help, power is defined by the influence one has on others, which can be through things like relationships. This was a really thought-provoking read, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! I have heard a lot about this book and never had a chance to pick it up. Your synopsis makes it sound interesting. It was interesting to hear about Avery's negative character arc. I agree with Sonal, money is not all that defines power, though I understand the point you are making and it is valid. Money helps you get away with a lot. Having money is a key factor, but Avery's regression seems to be the new environment she is in. I am sure having all eyes on her affected her as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is, however, undeniable that people have a fascination with the wealthy. It is evident in the tv shows we watch. I wonder, what is it that captivates people about them? Is it the comfort? The boldness that comes with knowing you will be fine at the end? I think the freedom of living comfortably is something I seek out, and maybe those shows have a psychological or vicarious appeal. Though it can be sad as it makes me think about how some people are so disproportionately wealthy while others starve.