Set on the wealthy island of Nantucket, Swan Song shows that while money and standing are undeniably related, different aspects of each interact with each other in complex ways.

Wealth confers an immediate and apparent advantage to those seeking social status. The Richardsons become the talk of the town as soon as they arrive in Nantucket, mostly because of their spending. They make a statement by buying their house and yacht, and they throw extravagant parties to further increase their popularity and desirability. Additionally, the Richardsons explicitly use their money to form connections, whether through philanthropy or lucrative business deals. In this way, the Richardsons build up positive social capital, forming a circle of people who are intrigued and attracted by what the Richardsons can offer and thus buying access to the right places.

To cement one’s social status, wealth must be buoyed by exclusivity. This is why Leslee works so hard to join the selective Field and Oar Club—an organization with a years-long waiting list that even longtime Nantucketers like Delilah have not been able to get into—cozying up to people with the power to influence her membership, such as Phoebe, Busy, and even Sharon. Leslee knows that exclusivity can lend social power.