Satirical and Transgressive Elements in Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho

Bc. Jaroslav Matula

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Tato diplomová práce předkládá podrobnou analýzu satirických a transgresivních prvků, které jsou obsaženy v románu Breta Eastona Ellise American Psycho. Práce si klade za cíl dokázat, že porušování určitých pravidel či hranic, a to jak formálních tak obsahových, je základním rysem Ellisova textu. Pozornost je věnována tématům jako je identita, násilí a vliv pop kultury; analyzovány jsou i formální aspekty románu, např. charakterizace a spolehlivost vypravěče.

Abstract:

This diploma thesis presents an in-depth analysis of various satirical and transgressive elements of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho. Its prime objectives are to demonstrate that both formal and thematic transgressions form the basis of the text and to prove that the novel should be understood as the author’s satirical commentary on contemporary society. The thesis focuses on Ellis’ treatment of motifs such as identity, violence and the influence of pop culture as well as on formal aspects such as characterisation and the narrator’s reliability. The interpretation of American Psycho put forward in this thesis establishes links between several of the novel’s themes with a view to identifying the key idea that underlies the author’s fierce criticism of present-day consumer society.

Keywords

Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho, satire, transgressive fiction, postmodern fiction, the narrator's reliability, pop culture, postmodern identity, violence, criticism of society, satira, transgresivní literatura, postmoderní literatura, spolehlivost vypravěče, pop kultura, postmoderní identita, násilí, kritika společnosti

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 7. 12. 2011

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 31. 1. 2012
• Supervisor: Ing. Mgr. Věra Eliášová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Pavla Buchtová

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Master programme / field:
Teacher Training for Primary and Lower Secondary Schools / Lower Secondary School and Language School Teacher Training in English Language