American Psycho: Summary

American Psycho is a dark satire of the 1980s yuppie culture. The novel follows the story of Patrick Bateman, an affluent investment banker living in New York City. He is obsessed with wealth, status and power, yet he has no real sense of purpose or direction in life. Throughout the novel, Bateman's mental state deteriorates as he commits increasingly heinous acts of violence, narcissism, and moral decay. The main themes explored in American Psycho include materialism, narcissism, and the emptiness of modern life. The novel portrays materialism as a socially accepted form of idolatry; people are so consumed by their need for money, power and status that they have lost sight of their real values and identity. It also examines how social media and technology have exacerbated feelings of loneliness and isolation in contemporary life. Furthermore, it critiques how consumerism has created an artificial world where people are reduced to nothing more than objects to be bought and sold. Ultimately, American Psycho serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition, greed and arrogance in our society.

1. How does the novel explore the idea of identity and how it is shaped by wealth and power?
2. What do you think are the key themes explored in American Psycho?
3. How did you feel about the graphic violence depicted in the novel?
4. Do you think that Patrick Bateman's inner monologue gives readers an insight into his psychological state?
5. What role do women play in American Psycho, and what do you think this reveals about gender roles within late 1980s capitalism?
6. How does the novel use satire to critique corporate culture and consumerism?
7. What did you think of the ending of American Psycho and its implications?
8. How does Ellis depict New York City, both as a physical landscape and as a metaphor for materialism?
9. How is money used as a symbol throughout American Psycho?
10. Do you think that Patrick Bateman represents a larger cultural shift away from traditional values towards materialism and superficiality?

• American Psycho is a fascinating exploration of the dark side of human nature.
• The novel's narrative structure is unique and compelling.
• The satire in American Psycho is both clever and unsettling.
• The characters in the novel are memorably drawn and engagingly portrayed.
• American Psycho uses the narrative to challenge traditional ideas of morality.
• By exploring themes of materialism and alienation, American Psycho provides a thought-provoking commentary on modern society.
• The language used in American Psycho is incredibly vivid and evocative.
• The narrative's dreamlike quality adds to the surreal atmosphere of the novel.
• Patrick Bateman's descent into madness is explored with great skill and insight by the author.
• American Psycho is an ambitious and powerful work that will stay with you long after you have finished it.

1. "I have all the characteristics of a human being: flesh, blood, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust."
2. "It's almost a relief to get back to the emptiness and isolation of my apartment."
3. "I'm into murders and executions, mostly."
4. "This confession has meant nothing."
5. "There is an idea of a Patrick Bateman, some kind of abstraction, but there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory."

1. American Psycho (2000) - Directed by Mary Harron, this film adaptation of the novel stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman. 2. American Psycho: The Musical (2013) - A musical stage production based on the novel, with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik. It opened at London's Almeida Theatre in December 2013 and transferred to Broadway in April 2016. 3. American Psycho II: All American Girl (2002) - A direct-to-video sequel to the 2000 film, starring Mila Kunis as a college student who becomes obsessed with her professor, played by William Shatner. 4. American Psycho: The Album (2000) - An album of remixed songs from the original film soundtrack, featuring contributions from Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and more. 5. American Psycho Live! (2016) – A live theatrical adaptation of the novel which premiered at San Diego Repertory Theatre in February 2016. 6. American Psycho Radio Show (2019) – An audio drama podcast series produced by Audible and written by Bret Easton Ellis himself.

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• Imperial Bedrooms
• Lunar Park
• Glamorama
• The Informers
• Heartsick
• White
• Solaris