Analysis

In the following section you can read our suggestions for an analysis of the novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis.

The novel follows a chronological structure, includes several time-skips and is generally fragmented, with several chapters starting mid-sentence or having no logical connection to the previous chapter.

The main characters in the novel are Patrick Bateman, as well as some of his Wall Street colleagues such as Paul Owen and Luis Carruthers. The women Patrick is involved with include his fiancée Evelyn, her best friend Courtney with whom Patrick is having an affair, and Patrick’s secretary Jean who is in love with him.

The setting of the novel is New York City in the 1980s. The novel includes many references to the pop culture and events of the time, and provides a satirical view of the yuppie culture in New York at the time.

The events of the novel are told by a first-person narrator who is also the main character. Patrick’s narration is highly unreliable due to his drug abuse, unstable mental state, and also his psychopathy and constant deception of others. As such, there is a lot of ambiguity over how much of the narration is true.

The language is very informal and includes many descriptive passages, especially of Patrick’s horrible crimes, which are described in explicit detail. The novel also includes many symbols and motifs which serve to highlight its main themes.

The chapter "Lunch with Bethany" is of particular importance as it provides quite a lot of insight into Patrick's mind and his struggle with his criminal urges. As well as this, it offers information that helps with Patrick's characterization.

You can read a full analysis of the novel in the following pages.

Excerpt from the study guide:

Patrick has no clear identity of his own

Throughout the novel, Patrick deals with an identity crisis. He struggles to differentiate himself from his similarly wealthy and superficial peers and to come out on top but also has an overwhelming need to fit into the acceptable social standard. For example, when he impulsively recommends someone to drink Pepsi over Coke (the more popular choice), and he is met with a surprised reaction, this social slipup causes him intense anxiety:

‘Listen,’ I say my voice trembling with emotion, ‘have whatever you want but I’m telling you I recommend the Diet Pepsi.’ I look down at my lap […] and for a moment I think I’m going to cry; my chin trembles and I can’t swallow. (Ch 11 Deck chairs, 39%)
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