Gold Digger

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, addiction, and ableism.

Class disparity and economic inequality are deeply woven into Gold Digger, shaping the romantic and personal conflicts between Lottie and Ollie. Their love story is complicated by the stark differences in their social and financial statuses. The premise is tied deeply to this theme since Lottie is a struggling employee, while Ollie is an ultra-wealthy duke. The power dynamics between employee and employer complicate their feelings for each other and jeopardize Lottie’s job. As her employer, Ollie holds power over her economic livelihood: “You are my employee. The only orders issued between us are going to be from me to you, and they will be obeyed. If you want to continue in my employment, then that is how this is going to work” (14). Though this threat is issued in a spirit of care—as he is trying to compel Lottie to take the day off work and tend to her injured ankle—it demonstrates his willingness to use the power imbalance between them to enforce his will. This imbalance, combined with Lottie’s determination to survive, creates tension as she works through her injuries and navigates a world that sees her as disposable.