The Island

Throughout the novel, Preston explores the allures as well as the dangers of wealth. Malcolm is a billionaire and is frequently portrayed as out of touch and shallow. He spends his time “barking orders” at Camilla without “utter[ing] a single please” (38). Later, it is revealed that he inherited money from his parents without working for it and that, unlike Camilla, he never applied himself or did well in school. He fulfills the stereotype of someone who is insulated from the world by privilege and takes his role for granted.

Paisley occupies a different place in the world, having grown up with little money until her parents became more successful. She thinks that this experience “left [her] with a gift. Being able to notice who was born into this life—Ava for sure, Will, Malcolm, and Harper—and who wasn’t” (39). Building on her parents’ success, Paisley has also begun to make her own money through influencing. She thinks, “I’ll be able to go to a top college and leave without any debt. I can buy a house when I’m done” (2). To her, wealth offers safety and security but doesn’t mean that she is unkind or snobbish, like Malcolm.