Chapter summaries (16-30)

Chapter 16

We learn that Tyler has launched a new organization called Project Mayhem, which is focused on committing various kinds of sabotage around the city, creating chaos. The members get random homework assignments which are all about chaotic behavior and disruption. We also hear that Tyler instructs all the members of Project Mayhem to get a gun, and to make sure the gun cannot be traced.

A brief flashback tells us that Tyler invented Project Mayhem after a particularly violent night in fight club, where the narrator severely beat a young man with a beautiful face. The narrator describes how he wanted to destroy something beautiful, and how he feels like he wants the whole world to hit bottom, and not just himself. We learn that the goal of Project Mayhem is the destruction of civilization, to make room for something better. 

Chapter 17

Tyler decides to start accepting recruits into Project Mayhem who will come to live permanently at his place. He posts advertisements that list which items potential candidates should bring. Each time a candidate shows up, Tyler and the narrator make up a reason why he cannot be accepted and send him home. However, those who still stay and wait outside for three whole days without food or rest are accepted.

Tyler’s home becomes a chaotic place full of Project Mayhem members who are all working on various secret projects, while still carrying on the soap-making business on the side. Only Tyler seems to know what is going on, but one day he simply disappears. The narrator tries to figure out what is happening, but none of the Project Mayhem members can offer him much information beyond rumors that Tyler is building an army and planning something b...