To Paradise

The novel portrays characters from a wide range of social classes and incomes and it consistently demonstrates that an individual’s class position can limit them and impede them from living authentic lives. In Book 1, David Bingham feels trapped by his wealth and privilege. While his class position does ensure that he lives a comfortable life surrounded by beauty, it also means that David is sheltered. He doesn’t realize the extent of how sheltered he has been until he encounters Edward Bishop. At first, David harbors fantasies that he could integrate a relationship with Edward into his existing life. For example, he imagines living with Edward in his beautiful Washington Square mansion, envisioning how the house became “not a prison, or something to dread—it was his home, their home, and this was their family” (66). However, David eventually understands that he will have to give up his wealth and status to be with Edward. Although he has some misgivings, David chooses love over an elevated social position. He believes that he can only have true freedom and authenticity if he abandons his wealth. As he tells his grandfather, “[Y]ou say I will be throwing my life to the winds if I leave, but I think I will be burying it if I stay” (164).