This paper deals with the novel American Psycho by the American author Bret Easton Ellis and his place amongst other writers of the “blank generation”. The term “blank generation fiction” will be defined by citing those literary critics who extensively examined this trend, namely Elizabeth Young, Graham Caveney and James Annesley.
Based on their work it will be shown how violence in blank generation fiction has not to be taken literally but can adopt symbolic meaning. Furthermore we shall see in an anlysis of American Psycho how this symbolic meaning develops in this novel in direct relation to the vast consumerism and the hyperreal quality of life in the 1980s. It will be closely examined how the seemingly unmotivated murderous behaviour of the novel´s main protagonist can be interpreted as a direct, logical, if exaggerated result of mass culture and the principles of the free market.
Finally it will be examined how Ellis integrates chapters written in the style of music journalism into his novel to stress both the fragmentation of the main protagonist´s mind by the media and the perversity of the consumer who can easily switch from witnessing an act of extreme violence to unworriedly reflecting on something like music, another mass cultural phenomenon.

Excerpt

1. Introduction
2. Violence and Blank Generation Fiction
3. Violence in American Psycho
- 3.1 Violence and Consumerism
- 3.2 Violence and Hyperrealism
- 3.3 Violence and the Function of Music Journalism
4. Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper analyzes Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho within the context of "blank generation fiction," exploring how the novel's depiction of violence functions symbolically rather than literally. The analysis examines the relationship between violence, consumerism, and hyperreality in the 1980s, arguing that the protagonist's actions are a consequence of mass culture and free-market principles. The integration of music journalism chapters is also considered in relation to the fragmented psyche of the protagonist and the desensitization of the consumer.

The definition and characteristics of "blank generation fiction."
The symbolic interpretation of violence in American Psycho.
The connection between violence, consumerism, and hyperreality in the novel.
The role of mass media and its impact on the protagonist's psyche.
The critique of 1980s consumer culture presented in the novel.

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the focus of the paper: an analysis of Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho and its place within the "blank generation fiction" movement. It defines "blank generation fiction" using the work of literary critics Elizabeth Young, Graham Caveney, and James Annesley, highlighting its urban setting, focus on young American individuals within consumer culture, and stylistic characteristics. The introduction posits that the violence depicted in these novels is not literal but symbolic, representing the consequences of rampant consumerism and the principles of the free market. It previews the paper's exploration of how this symbolic meaning unfolds in American Psycho, particularly concerning consumerism, hyperreality, and the integration of music journalism chapters.

2. Violence and Blank Generation Fiction: This chapter delves into the characteristics of "blank generation fiction," tracing its origins to the mid-1980s "brat pack" of authors. It discusses various labels applied to this literary trend and emphasizes its urban focus, concern with young Americans in a consumer culture, and stylistic preference for flat, affectless prose. The chapter explores the themes of violence, indulgence, sexual excess, decadence, and consumerism prevalent in these works. It critiques the common misinterpretation of violence in these novels as mere sensationalism or sadism, arguing instead for a symbolic interpretation where violence represents the dehumanizing effects of commercialization. The chapter emphasizes that the violence is a metaphor for the potential consequences of a culture increasingly reliant on commodity and free-market principles, highlighting the dehumanization, objectification, and reification inherent in such a system. The chapter concludes by introducing American Psycho as a prime example of this metaphorical use of violence.

3. Violence in American Psycho: This chapter begins by addressing the controversy surrounding the novel's explicit violence, particularly its depiction of violence against women. It introduces Patrick Bateman, the main protagonist, as a wealthy, consumerist, and violent Wall Street broker, highlighting his detachment from genuine human connection. The chapter sets the stage for a detailed examination of the interplay between violence, consumerism, and the hyperreal aspects of 1980s culture. The subchapters (3.1, 3.2, and 3.3) which are not individually summarized here would delve into the detailed analysis of the connections between the violence and those themes.

Keywords

Blank generation fiction, Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho, violence, consumerism, hyperreality, mass culture, 1980s, symbolic violence, dehumanization, reification, Patrick Bateman, free market.

American Psycho: A Comprehensive Language Preview - FAQ

What is this document?

This is a comprehensive language preview of an academic paper analyzing Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the symbolic interpretation of violence within the novel and its connection to consumerism, hyperreality, and 1980s mass culture.

What are the main themes explored in the paper?

The paper explores the following key themes: the definition and characteristics of "blank generation fiction," the symbolic interpretation of violence in American Psycho, the connection between violence, consumerism, and hyperreality in the novel, the role of mass media and its impact on the protagonist's psyche, and a critique of 1980s consumer culture.

What is "blank generation fiction," and how does American Psycho fit within this category?

“Blank generation fiction” refers to a literary trend of the mid-1980s characterized by its urban setting, focus on young Americans within consumer culture, and stylistic preference for flat, affectless prose. American Psycho is considered a prime example, utilizing violence symbolically to represent the dehumanizing effects of rampant consumerism and free-market principles.

How is violence interpreted in the paper?

The paper argues against a literal interpretation of the violence in American Psycho, instead proposing a symbolic interpretation. Violence is viewed as a metaphor for the consequences of a culture driven by commodity and free-market principles, highlighting the dehumanization, objectification, and reification inherent in such a system.

What role does consumerism and hyperreality play in the analysis?

The analysis examines the relationship between violence, consumerism, and hyperreality in the 1980s. It argues that the protagonist's actions are a consequence of mass culture and free-market principles, emphasizing the pervasive influence of consumerism and the blurring of reality and simulation in shaping his character and actions.

What is the significance of the music journalism chapters in American Psycho?

The integration of music journalism chapters is considered in relation to the fragmented psyche of the protagonist and the desensitization of the consumer. These chapters contribute to the overall analysis of the novel's themes.

What are the key chapters and their summaries?

The paper comprises four chapters: Chapter 1 (Introduction) establishes the focus and defines "blank generation fiction." Chapter 2 (Violence and Blank Generation Fiction) delves into the characteristics of this literary movement and its portrayal of violence. Chapter 3 (Violence in American Psycho) analyzes the novel's violence in detail, exploring its connections to consumerism and hyperreality. Chapter 4 (Conclusion) synthesizes the findings. (Detailed summaries of each chapter are provided in the original document).

Who is Patrick Bateman, and what is his significance?

Patrick Bateman is the main protagonist, a wealthy, consumerist, and violent Wall Street broker characterized by his detachment from genuine human connection. His actions serve as a focal point for exploring the themes of the novel.

What are the keywords associated with this paper?