Robyn's decision to finance the spectrometer project is due to her attempt to preserve her core identity.
             In the novel, Robyn is described as a strong intellectual woman with determined opinions on most subjects, even on those of which she has no actual experience, such as the business environment. Initially one gets the idea that nothing could disturb or change her clearly developed thoughts and beliefs.
             After have followed the shadow scheme and have met Vic Wilcox, Robyn founds herself going trough some sort of identity crisis she did not ever think could happen. In my opinion, to conceal or quell this she decides to give away the inherited money.
             One's identity is an interplay between the idea you have of yourself, and the way other people identify you. Robyn Penrose's identity is at first clear and well defined. It is not much difference in the way she sees herself and the way other people look at her. She does not identify herself as someone interested in and fascinated by money. On the contrary she gets feelings of contempt when thinking of wealthy people.
             " Well, what can you talk about to people like that, she says defensively. Money? Holidays? Cars? Basil's just as bad. He's become quite obnoxious, as a matter of fact." (188) In the next breath she says "Don't let's ever become rich, Charles,"
             - Two statements exposing her fixed view on money and things attached to it.
             When she meets Vic Wilcox, her identity slowly starts to change.
             Initially, Robyn is not happy at all being obliged to visit the factory each Wednesday. But as time goes by she starts to appreciate it. At one time she actually feels a satisfaction with "...her association with the factory." (215)
             Whether she wants it or not, Vic has a great impact on her with his authority and thorough knowledge in doing business and making money. The first sign of this change in identity is when ...