Theme Study 2

As we progress farther and farther into this sadistic novel, another theme is presenting itself: The exaggeration of the American Dream. What is the American Dream exactly? It's the belief that anyone can come to America and make a success out of themselves if they are willing to put forth the effort and hours. Ellis exaggerates this by what he defines success as. He writes about success being only the possession of many material things, physical appearances being very admirable, and the possession of enough money to do whatever it is that you so please to do. This is evident by the way characters in the book are described. People are not described by characteristics or personality, but instead by the designer label clothes they wear. The theme of the exaggeration of the American Dream is evident by making everything in the book about only surface level qualities, and none of the traits that really matter, like integrity or trustworthiness.