The Next Mrs. Parrish

Given the inherent affluence of the characters and the toxic dynamics that drive the plot, it is almost inevitable that manipulators such as Amber and Jackson would lean toward using their wealth as a weapon to achieve their nefarious ends. Each character in The Next Mrs. Parrish is uniquely impacted by the possession or lack of wealth. Most notably, Jackson imposes an escalating level of control over his family by using his financial resources to bribe his children and influence the local community. His wealth, represented by his estate and his social standing, easily becomes a tool for manipulation and dominance, and even his “gifts” to the trapped and desperate Daphne—such as the opulent wardrobe he provides upon her return—are steeped in his desire to shame and criticize her appearance. In this and other ways, he uses wealth to control Daphne even as he strategically applies tactics of emotional abuse. Similarly, the fact that the mansion is held entirely in his name, despite Amber’s belief to the contrary, highlights Jackson’s cunning nature and his ability to maintain control over his assets even amid dire circumstances. As the abusive situation escalates, many of the power dynamics within the story are dictated by those who control the money.