The themes include a critique of the male ego. Bateman is constantly comparing himself to other men in terms of status, wealth, and appearance. His insecurities drive him to extreme actions. Also, there is a sense of alienation. Despite being surrounded by people at work and in social settings, he feels alone and disconnected from others, which is reflected in his violent outbursts.
Mainly, it's about the dark side of the American dream. The idea that achieving wealth and success doesn't necessarily lead to happiness. Bateman has all the trappings of success but is a serial killer. It also explores the idea of identity. His identity seems to be based on his possessions and status, and as he descends into madness, his sense of self becomes more and more distorted.
The main themes include identity. The main character is constantly trying to define himself within the context of the cut - throat corporate world. Social status is also a big theme. People are judged by their appearance, wealth, and social connections. And finally, there is a theme of moral decay. The novel shows how the characters' pursuit of wealth and pleasure has led to a breakdown in their moral compasses.
One of the main themes is the exploration of the dark side of the human psyche. The protagonist's extreme actions and lack of remorse reveal the potential for great evil within an individual. Another theme could be the critique of consumerism and materialism as the character is often preoccupied with brand names and appearances in a very shallow way.
One of the main themes is consumerism. The protagonist is highly obsessed with brand names and material possessions, which reflects the excessive consumer culture. Another theme is the duality of human nature. He presents a normal, wealthy businessman facade but has a deeply disturbed and violent side within.
One of the main themes is consumerism. The protagonist is obsessed with brands, appearances, and having the latest and greatest things. Another theme is the emptiness of modern life. Despite his seeming success, he feels hollow inside. Also, there's the theme of the dehumanization of others. He views people as objects to be used or disposed of based on his own desires.
One of the main themes in American Psycho is the hollowness of consumer culture. The protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is obsessed with material possessions like expensive suits and business cards. The brand names are constantly dropped, symbolizing how people in that society are defined by what they own rather than who they are. For example, his meticulous grooming and focus on appearance represent the shallowness of the yuppie culture in the 1980s.
One of the main symbols in 'American Psycho' is the business card. It represents the superficiality and status - seeking in the corporate world that the protagonist is part of. The expensive designer clothes he wears are also symbols, showing his excessive materialism and his attempt to define himself through possessions.
The theme of alienation is present. The protagonist is alienated from others despite his attempts to fit into the high - society. He doesn't truly connect with people on an emotional level. Additionally, the novel can be seen as an analysis of the excesses of the 1980s Wall Street culture, with its greed, self - centeredness, and lack of moral compass, which are all reflected in the actions and mindset of the main character.
Patrick Bateman is the most important character. He is a wealthy investment banker by day and a deranged serial killer by night. His character is complex, as he tries to maintain a facade of normalcy while indulging in his violent tendencies.
There are also other characters in the novel who interact with Bateman. For example, his colleagues at the investment bank. They are often part of the cut - throat, materialistic world that Bateman inhabits. Their interactions with him help to show the contrast between the normalcy they assume and the true nature of Bateman that the reader is aware of. Another character could be some of the women he dates, who are often just objects to him in his twisted view of the world.
The main character is Patrick Bateman. He is a wealthy investment banker in New York City during the 1980s. He is the one with a double life - a seemingly successful businessman by day and a violent, deranged killer by night.