One of the themes that really stuck out to me in this first half of the book was this idea of an inherent classism in Vandover’s world. It is clear that his role as an upper class citizen, or social elite, has afforded him certain privileges, such as being able to essentially automatically attend Harvard, and then being able to become a “painter”. (Although he doesn’t have to rely on his painting abilities to make any money, unlike Ida’s mother.)

Coincidentally, his social status somehow absolves him from any wrong doing. When he essentially lusts after women of a lower social standing, his sexual attraction to them somehow becomes their problem. At the same time, their mere existence actually disgusts him. Specifically for Ida, the possibility that Vandover impregnated her becomes her family’s disgrace rather than his shame (even though he later admits to pressuring her into sex).

In terms of accountability, his social status saves him from any kind of persecution related to Ida’s suicide or the murder of the Jew boy (even though others were persecuted for letting him drown).