“American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that has been both praised and criticized for its graphic violence and disturbing content. However, beneath the surface, the book is a complex allegory that explores themes of consumerism, narcissism, and the corrupting influence of power. The story follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and handsome investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer.
Throughout the novel, Ellis uses symbolism and allegory to comment on the excesses of 1980s American society. From the obsession with designer clothing to the rampant consumerism that permeates every aspect of Bateman’s life, the author paints a picture of a world that is both shallow and morally bankrupt. At the same time, he also explores the psychological toll that this lifestyle takes on Bateman, who struggles to maintain his sanity as he becomes increasingly disconnected from reality.
Despite the controversial nature of the book, “American Psycho” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature. By delving into the dark recesses of the human psyche, Ellis forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the society they live in. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying the impact that this novel has had on the literary world and popular culture as a whole.
Understanding Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbols and characters to convey a deeper meaning or message. It is a form of extended metaphor, where the story or narrative is used to represent something else, often an abstract concept or idea.
In literature, allegory can be used to explore complex themes and ideas in a way that is more accessible and engaging to readers. It allows writers to create a multi-layered narrative that can be interpreted in different ways by different readers.
One of the most famous examples of allegory in literature is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” which uses a group of farm animals to represent the events and characters of the Russian Revolution. Similarly, Bret Easton Ellis’ “American Psycho” can be seen as an allegory for the excesses and moral decay of 1980s Wall Street culture.
The World of ‘American Psycho’
Setting and Era
The novel ‘American Psycho’ by Bret Easton Ellis is set in the late 1980s in Manhattan, New York City. The story takes place during a time of great wealth and prosperity, where people were judged based on their material possessions and social status. The setting is crucial to the story as it provides a backdrop for the themes of consumerism, vanity, and narcissism that are explored throughout the book.
The city of Manhattan is portrayed as a place of excess, where the wealthy elite indulge in expensive restaurants, designer clothes, and exclusive nightclubs. The author uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of a world that is superficial and devoid of any real meaning. This is further emphasized by the fact that the main character, Patrick Bateman, is a wealthy investment banker who is obsessed with his appearance and material possessions.
Character Analysis: Patrick Bateman
The protagonist of ‘American Psycho’ is Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, narcissistic, and vain investment banker who is also a serial killer. Bateman is a complex character who embodies the themes of the novel. He is obsessed with his appearance and material possessions, and he is constantly trying to fit in with the wealthy elite of Manhattan.
Bateman is a deeply disturbed individual who is unable to connect with other people on an emotional level. He is a pathological liar and has a tenuous grasp on reality. The author uses Bateman’s character to explore the themes of identity, morality, and the human psyche.
Major Themes and Allegory
Materialism and Excess
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that explores the themes of materialism and excess. The protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is a wealthy Wall Street investment banker who lives a life of extreme luxury and indulgence. Throughout the novel, Bateman obsesses over his appearance and possessions, constantly seeking to acquire the latest and most expensive items. This obsession with materialism is a commentary on the excesses of consumer culture and the emptiness of a life focused solely on acquiring wealth and possessions.
Identity and Reality
Another major theme in American Psycho is identity and reality. Bateman struggles with his own identity throughout the novel, often questioning whether he is truly in control of his own actions or whether he is simply a product of his environment. This struggle is reflected in the novel’s use of allegory, particularly its references to Dante’s Inferno. Bateman’s descent into madness and violence can be seen as a metaphor for the descent of modern society into chaos and moral decay.
Violence and Dehumanization
The theme of violence and dehumanization is also central to American Psycho. Bateman’s acts of violence and brutality are portrayed in graphic detail, forcing the reader to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. This violence is not only physical, but also psychological, as Bateman and his colleagues engage in a constant game of one-upmanship and emotional manipulation. The novel’s use of allegory serves to underscore the dehumanizing effects of violence and the dangers of a society that glorifies aggression and power.
Allegorical Interpretations
Critique of Capitalism
American Psycho is often interpreted as a critique of capitalism, particularly the excesses of the 1980s Wall Street culture. The novel portrays the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker, who indulges in a lifestyle of extreme luxury and consumption. Through Bateman’s character, Ellis highlights the negative effects of capitalism, such as the dehumanization of individuals and the prioritization of material wealth over human relationships.
The novel also exposes the flaws of the capitalist system, which values profits over ethics and morality. Bateman’s immoral actions, such as his murders and sexual violence, are overlooked by his colleagues and superiors as long as he produces results for the company. This suggests that the capitalist system is willing to turn a blind eye to unethical behavior as long as it benefits the bottom line.
Satire of the Yuppie Lifestyle
Another allegorical interpretation of American Psycho is that it is a satire of the yuppie lifestyle. The novel exaggerates and mocks the shallow, materialistic values of the 1980s yuppie culture. Bateman and his colleagues are portrayed as narcissistic, superficial, and obsessed with their appearance and social status.
The novel also critiques the emptiness of the yuppie lifestyle, which is devoid of any real meaning or purpose. Bateman and his colleagues are shown to be completely disconnected from the world around them, as they are more concerned with their own pleasure and status than with anything else. This suggests that the yuppie lifestyle is ultimately unfulfilling and meaningless.
Character Symbolism
Bateman’s Victims
In “American Psycho,” Bateman’s victims are symbolic of his desire for control and power. He targets those who are weaker than him, such as the homeless, prostitutes, and drug addicts. These victims represent Bateman’s need to exert his dominance over those he perceives as inferior. The violence he inflicts upon them is a manifestation of his own insecurity and fear of being powerless.
Supporting Characters
The supporting characters in “American Psycho” also serve as symbols. For example, Bateman’s secretary Jean is a symbol of his desire for control and perfection. He obsesses over her appearance and performance, and he becomes increasingly frustrated when she fails to meet his expectations. Similarly, his fiancée Evelyn is a symbol of his need for conformity and normalcy. He stays with her despite his lack of affection for her because she represents the ideal partner in his social circle.
Narrative Technique and Style
First-Person Perspective
Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho is narrated in the first-person perspective by the Wall Street businessman Patrick Bateman. This narrative technique allows the reader to experience the story through Bateman’s eyes, giving them a glimpse into his twisted mind. The use of first-person perspective also creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and Bateman, making the story more engaging.
Stream of Consciousness
Ellis employs a stream of consciousness narrative technique in American Psycho, which allows the reader to experience the chaotic and fragmented thoughts of the protagonist. This technique adds to the overall sense of confusion and disorientation in the novel, as the reader is forced to navigate Bateman’s jumbled thoughts and emotions.
In addition, the use of stream of consciousness allows Ellis to explore the themes of identity and perception in American Psycho. Bateman’s fragmented thoughts and shifting sense of self highlight the fluidity of identity and the role that perception plays in shaping our understanding of ourselves and others.
Cultural Impact and Reception
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel that has had a significant cultural impact since its publication in 1991. The novel has been the subject of controversy and debate due to its graphic violence and sexual content. However, it has also been praised for its social commentary on the excesses of consumer culture and the shallowness of the 1980s yuppie lifestyle.
The novel has been adapted into a film and a stage play, which have both been well-received by audiences and critics. The film, directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, has become a cult classic. The stage play, which premiered in London in 2013, was also well-received and has since been performed in several countries.
Despite its controversial subject matter, American Psycho has been widely studied in universities and colleges around the world. It has been the subject of numerous academic articles and books, and is often cited as an example of postmodern literature and social commentary.
Comparisons with Other Works
American Psycho is a novel that borrows thematic and narrative elements from Oscar Wilde’s 1890 gothic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Both novels feature a handsome, narcissistic, wealthy young man who commits depraved acts in order to satisfy his hedonistic appetite for pleasure. In Dorian Gray, the protagonist is corrupted by Lord Henry and haunted by a sensitive portrait that ages while he remains young and beautiful. In American Psycho, the protagonist Patrick Bateman is corrupted by the greed and excess of Wall Street and is haunted by his own violent impulses.
Another work that American Psycho has been compared to is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Both novels explore the theme of the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the consequences of playing god. In Frankenstein, the protagonist Victor Frankenstein creates a monster that ultimately destroys him and those he loves. In American Psycho, Patrick Bateman is a product of his environment and the excesses of capitalism, which have turned him into a monster that preys on the vulnerable.
Finally, American Psycho has been compared to Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Both novels explore the theme of guilt and the psychological toll of committing a crime. In Crime and Punishment, the protagonist Raskolnikov murders an old pawnbroker and her sister and is tormented by his guilt until he confesses. In American Psycho, Patrick Bateman commits a series of gruesome murders and is haunted by the fear of being caught and punished.