American Psycho

Definition

American Psycho is a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, published in 1991, that presents the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. The narrative is characterized by an unreliable narrator whose distorted perceptions of reality and obsessive materialism raise questions about identity and morality. This distortion enhances the themes of consumerism and the disconnection from reality, particularly in urban environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel's unreliable narration forces readers to question what aspects of Bateman's life are genuine and which are fabrications, creating a sense of ambiguity throughout.
2. Patrick Bateman's obsession with brands and material possessions serves as a critique of 1980s consumer culture, reflecting on how it can lead to a loss of individuality.
3. Violence in American Psycho is graphic and extreme, serving not only as shock value but also as a commentary on desensitization in society.
4. The narrative structure includes frequent shifts in perspective, contributing to the disorienting experience for the reader and mirroring Bateman's unstable mental state.
5. The ending leaves readers questioning the reality of Bateman’s actions, suggesting that the line between sanity and insanity may be blurred in a consumer-driven world.

Review Questions

• How does the use of an unreliable narrator in American Psycho influence the reader's understanding of Patrick Bateman's character?
  • The unreliable narrator in American Psycho allows readers to see Patrick Bateman’s warped perspective, which makes it difficult to distinguish between his delusions and reality. This perspective adds depth to his character as readers grapple with his extreme behaviors while questioning his sanity. The confusion generated by his narration forces readers to confront their interpretations of morality and identity in a consumer-driven society.
• In what ways does American Psycho critique consumer culture through its depiction of Patrick Bateman’s lifestyle and mental state?
  • American Psycho critiques consumer culture by illustrating how Bateman’s obsession with wealth, status, and brand names contributes to his alienation and psychopathy. His character embodies the emptiness of a life focused solely on materialism, where human connections are superficial. As Bateman indulges in excessive consumption, he becomes increasingly detached from reality, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of capitalism.
• Evaluate how the narrative techniques used in American Psycho contribute to its overall themes and impact on readers.
  • The narrative techniques in American Psycho, including its unreliable narration and fragmented structure, enhance the novel's exploration of themes such as identity crisis and moral decay. By shifting perspectives and creating ambiguity around events, the story immerses readers in Bateman’s chaotic mind, blurring lines between fiction and reality. This approach invites critical reflection on societal values, pushing readers to question their own perceptions of sanity amidst consumerism's excesses.

Related terms

Unreliable Narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, leading to a skewed or misleading account of events, often resulting in confusion about what is real and what is imagined.

Metafiction: A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality.

Psychopathy: A personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited traits, which are prominently displayed by Patrick Bateman.