Throughout the novel, all of the Van Laars—with the possible exception of Barbara—reveal the depths to which they rely upon their wealth and social class to protect themselves from the consequences of their actions. However, although Peter Van Laar and his father never hesitate to use their position to evade justice and impose their will upon their family, friends, and community, they also find their own lives intensely restricted by their compulsive need to maintain their public image. Whether they are working to conform to broader expectations or using their connections to evade scandal, their social position ultimately serves as a corruptive force in their lives.

From the very beginning, the Van Laars’ wealth and prestige are emphasized, and their wealth situates them in a particularly elite social class that comes with many expectations as to how its members should present themselves in the world. However, when Alice marries into the family at a young age, it soon becomes clear that she does not fit the mold that the Van Laars adhere to, for she is somewhat less refined than a Van Laar woman is expected to be. Similarly, Alice has difficulty playing her expected role and suffers under her husband’s restrictions; this dynamic becomes evident when Peter disregards her deep love for Bear and insists that the boy be cared for by nurses.