Themes and message

Antisocial personalities

The theme of antisocial personalities is explored in connection with Patrick, the main character in “Killing Child at Zoo” by Bret Easton Ellis. His thoughts and behavior reveal traits that are deeply antisocial, and which contribute to him being able to murder a boy without any hesitation or remorse.

For example, Patrick seems prone to fighting and aggressiveness, a trait that is revealed when he uses a derogatory and racist word to provoke a stranger, whom he then threatens with a knife (p. 179, ll. 5-7). He also uses the derogatory word “faggots” (p. 179, l. 8) to describe two other strangers. Patrick’s disregard for the rules, for the seals’ well-being, and his contempt for other people is highlighted as he throws coins into the seals’ enclosure, despite explicit instructions not to do it: “It’s not the seals I hate – it’s the audience’s enjoyment of them that bothers me” (p. 179, ll. 20-21). This points to Patrick’s aversion toward others feeling positive emotions, probably because he is unable to experience them himself.

It appears that Patrick does not feel only contempt for other people but draws satisfaction from their suffering. He impulsively kills an innocent child without any show of hesitation, and then pretends to be a doctor (p. 180, ll. 26-28) so that he can watch the child die and make sure that he is not...