Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part C (2024)

This research paper explores the fragility of masculinity through Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, focusing on the character of Patrick Bateman and his struggle with identity in a hyper-consumerist society. The quote "I want to fit in, but I don’t want to be a clone" encapsulates Bateman’s inner conflict as he navigates the pressures of conforming to societal expectations while grappling with his sense of self. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Wall Street, the novel critiques its era's superficiality and moral bankruptcy, revealing the instability and anxiety underpinning Bateman’s masculinity.

By analyzing Bateman’s characterization and the novel’s depiction of masculinity, this paper examines how the protagonist’s efforts to establish a unique identity are undermined by the pervasive culture of materialism and conformity. The paper engages with theoretical perspectives on masculinity, including the concepts of identity performance and social pressures, to elucidate how Bateman’s psychological fragmentation and violent tendencies reflect broader anxieties about male identity.

The paper shall highlight how Ellis’s portrayal of masculinity reveals the destructive impact of societal expectations on individual identity. It argues that Bateman’s quest to differentiate himself while adhering to a prescribed masculine ideal ultimately exposes masculinity's fragility and performativity. This exploration contributes to a deeper understanding of how contemporary literature reflects and critiques the complexities of male identity in a commodified and conformist culture.