Themes

Consumerism and materialism

The novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis explores the themes of consumerism and materialism in a rather disturbing and satirical way through the character of Patrick Bateman and the other members of his social circle.

The novel looks at how shallow and selfish the main characters in the novel are and highlights the idea that they value material possessions as a display of their wealth and success: 

‘The Grinch wants a Burberry raincoat, a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater, a new Rolex, a car stereo–’
[…] ‘But you don’t have a car, honey.’
‘I want one anyway.’ I sigh again. ‘the Grinch wants a car stereo anyway.’ (Ch 25 Christmas party, 17%) 

Patrick is a wealthy and successful investment banker in New York City and he – as well as the people in his social circle – is obsessed with brands, designer clothes, and having the latest gadgets. He constantly name-drops expensive brands and goes into great detail about what he and others are wearing. This shows how deeply he’s immersed in a culture that promotes consumerism and materialism. 

Moreover, the characters in the novel engage in shallow and repetitive conversations about their possessions, appearances, and social status. The language they use is often devoid of deep meaning or genuine connection. This reflects the emptiness of their lives and highlights how consumerism has affected their ability to have meaningful interactions. Brands also have a part in shaping the characters’ identities. They use brand names as a way to define themselves and their social standing. This use of language reinforces the idea that consumerism has consumed their sense of self, reducing them to mere labels and logos.

In this way, the novel uses Patrick Bateman as a vehicle to criticize the excesses and moral decay of the 1980s yuppie culture. Through Patrick’s character, the novel exposes the hollowness of a society obsessed with wealth, status, and appearance, at the expense of genuine human connection and empathy.

Patrick’s violent acts can also be seen as a metaphor for how consumerism can dehumanize us. He treats people just as he treats his possessions. This shows how in extreme cases consumerism and materialism can lead to a lack of empathy and a disregard for the value of human life. This is especially noticeable when considering how Patrick treats those who he sees as below him, such as homeless people. Patrick is cruel and dehumanizing to homeless people: 

‘Why don’t you get a job?’ I ask, the bill still held in my hand but not within the bum’s reach. ‘If you’re so hungry, why don’t you get a job?’ […] ‘Listen. Do you thin...