Rich People Problems

Rich People Problems is a modern comedy of manners about extraordinarily wealthy people of Chinese descent. How does this novel compare to both classic and contemporary works that also examine and satirize members of the upper class? Possible works to consider in your response are those by Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, E.M. Forster, and, more recently, Julian Fellowes.

The author, Kevin Kwan, reveals much about his characters through the objects that they possess. How are certain characters’ class statuses (e.g., old money versus new money) revealed through their possessions? Why do you think Kwan employs this motif to describe certain characters?

Which character undergoes the most profound evolution? Why? Why do you think other characters remain static and unchanged?