When both Gerald and Sheila's brother Eric, knowing nothing of

the young woman's history, have affairs with her, the intersection
of money and marriage as tools of social control of the poor
becomes apparent. The young woman sleeps with both men
because she is desperate for the financial support they offer after
she loses her second job and can't find another (she is
condemned to unemployment because she lacks good
recommendations). The men don't have to marry her: in fact,
that thought never seems to cross their minds. Because they
have the power to have sex without marriage—to, in effect,
prostitute her—she (like other women of her class) gets no access
to the benefits and security marriage with a wealthy man could
provide. In contrast, Gerald's marriage to Sheila will further
consolidate upper-class wealth and power by merging two rival
businesses.