Analysis

“Tuesday” by Bret Easton Ellis is an excerpt from the novel American Psycho.
The excerpt has a linear plot structure. The events happen in chronological order and they follow Patrick Bateman from when he is at the exclusive party to when he drinks milk shakes at a McDonald’s after surprisingly killing a homeless man in a poor part of town.

The main character is Patrick Bateman, a young and rich man who is focused on the superficial aspects of life. Patrick also feels entitled to his upper-class position in society. Al, the homeless man whom Patrick murders, is also an important character. In many ways, he provides a contrast to Patrick.

The physical setting is New York in the 1980’s. The events take place in two contrasting locations: the luxurious party and the streets of a poorer neighbourhood. The social setting explores class dynamics.

The story is told by a first-person narrator who is also the main character. Several hints in the text suggest that the narrator is unreliable.

The language is informal. The story uses informal words such as slurs to highlight Patrick Bateman’s character. The use of symbols such as the mention of brands and the knife enhance the story’s meaning.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following sections.