The theme of privilege and responsibility shapes the novel’s world.

Many characters in the novel show no understanding of the consequences of their actions, too naïve or too selfish to feel responsible for their behavior. The young people at Yale can afford to behave badly without being punished for their misdeeds—Blake rapes a younger woman for sport, and the undergraduates. Meanwhile, in L.A., Len and his drug dealer friends are also devoid of any sense of responsibility towards younger women in their circle. Len harms to Hellie for the sake of his own advancement in his criminal organization. The main difference between Len and Blake is privilege. The university protects Blake because of his athletic skills, while Len has to find his own more powerful protectors in the higher-ranking figures of his drug dealing ring.

Alex is the only character who has first-hand experience of both worlds: poverty and drug addiction, and wealth and privilege. Her experiences allow her a clear view and understanding of the shortcomings of Yale, hidden behind its opulent architecture and décor. Alex retains her sense of responsibility in her new life at Yale, seeing what is fair and just and fighting for the right thing.