Fitzgerald explores the ways in which wealth seems to rob Anson of any real meaning in his life. As a society, we generally assume that the rich have it better than everyone else. While people look up to Anson as a leader, especially towards the end of "The Rich Boy" when he takes this role more seriously, it is clear that despite those that fawn over him, there is no real substance to Anson's life. This is especially apparent when Anson realizes there is no one interested in spending an evening with him.He is not driven by his career, hobbies, or political or religious convictions. He does not have people in his life that he cares about deeply or others who care about him. Beyond chasing pleasures of the moment and wanting to be wanted, there is nothing of real value in Anson's life.t is clear that Anson is incredibly controlling; he's used to getting what he wants with no strings attached. This has left him unable to accept responsibility for his actions or to recognize their effect on others. This is especially obvious when he forces his aunt and her lover to end their affair, which devastates his aunt and ends in the death of her lover. Despite the sorrow he's had a hand in, Anson does not recognize or feel remorse for the pain he has caused, even when it has lost him a relationship with his family member. The extremity of Anson's manipulation, coupled with the reality that his interference doesn't actually benefit him in any way, exemplifies the recklessness and carelessness with which Fitzgerald characterizes the very worst of the rich.
