Setting

Physical setting

The novel excerpt “Tuesday” by Bret Easton Ellis takes place in New York. Though the text does not explicitly name the physical setting, there are mentions of several real-life locations in New York City, such as Broadway, the Chrysler and Puck buildings, or Union Square. 

The chapter title suggests that the time setting of the novel is on a Tuesday, and though the year is not mentioned, the novel American Psycho takes place in the 1980s. 

The two main locations depicted in the story represent a contrast between the luxurious life Patrick lives and the dark reality of poorer neighborhoods. First, there is the black-tie party scene that takes place at the Puck Building. The limousine, the fancy clothing and food, and the photographers all hint at the luxurious life of the priv...