New York
New York epitomizes growth and optimism. The place is developing rapidly in all sectors. Diaz expounds, "New York swelled with the loud optimism of those who believe they have outpaced the future." The immigrants who go to New York are lured by the rapid development evident in skyscrapers and subways. They believe in the state's future. Thus, they throng there to be a part of it. The construction of structures and transport networks make New York a good place to stay for immigrants.
Wall Street
Wall Street represents corporate wealth. A few large and highly profitable corporates control the wealth. Diaz writes, "The sheer magnitude of these new monopolistic companies, a few of them worth more than the entire government budget, was proof of how unequally the bounty was distributed." The emergence of such corporates predominantly located on Wall Street affirms that the American economy is spiraling. However, only people directly linked to the Wall Street corporates can enjoy prosperity. Only a few Americans can relish the success of such companies.
Money and Taste
Sheldon Lloyd uses money to buy taste. He spends extravagantly on things that would show he has "taste." Diaz elaborates Sheldon " wore his wealth on his body—his skin smelled different every day; his shirts were not pressed but new; his coast shone almost as much as his hair. He brimmed with that most conventional and embarrassing qualities—taste." Sheldon likes consumerism, unlike Rask. The way that Sheldon spends the money he earns from working as Rask's assistant summarizes his idea about money being the sole ingredient in acquiring "taste."
