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Introduction of Patrick Bateman:
In the start of the novel we learn that Patrick Bateman is obsessed with his appearance. His daily grooming routine serves as a window into his extreme vanity and obsession with physical appearances. This event sets the tone for the novel and establishes the theme of the emptiness and shallowness in the lives of the wealthy top. -
The restaurant scene
Patrick and his colleagues engage in a lengthy discussion about the finest restaurants in New York City. They discuss exclusivity, reputation, and perceived superiority of these establishments. Their conversation becomes a status symbol and a way for the characters to measure their social worth. However, the conversation ultimately reveal the characters inability to connect on a deeper level, given that they are more focused on superficial topics rather than genuine human interaction. -
The murder of a homeless man
Patrick Bateman is brutally showcased when at his way back from work randomly attacks and kills a homeless man. This event highlights his lack of empathy and his psychotic personality. The murder serves as an early glimpse into the many more tragic events in the novel. -
Patrick Batemans encounter with Paul Owen
Patrick invites his coworker, Paul Owen, to his apartment under the pretence of discussing business. To great surprise, he kills and dismembers Owen. This event further reveals the depths of Patrick's sadistic nature and his tendency for extreme violence. It demonstrates his ability to seamlessly transition between his professional and murderous personas. This blurs the lines between his ordinary life and his psychopathic tendencies. -
A spiral of violence
During the period of 1988-89, Patrick's series of violent acts intensifies. He commits murders, targets women, prostitutes and random strangers. This series of extreme acts further explores his growing intensity of psychopathy and the increasing detachment from reality. -
The acquisition of a new apartment
Patrick purchases an apartment and obsesses over the extravagant interior decorations. He spends an excessive amount of money to create a pristine living space that reflects his great wealth and status. Again, this act serves as an reflection of Patrick's materialistic and consumerist mindset, where possessions become a measure of self-worth and a means to mask the emptiness and hollowness within. -
A dinner party
Patrick attends a dinner party with his friends where they engage in shallow conversations about fashion, music, and gossip. The dialogue during the dinner party showcases their disconnect from the world around them and their inability to engage in authentic human interaction. -
The attempted confession
Patrick calls his lawyer, Harold Carnes, to confess his crimes, but Harold mistakes Patrick for someone else and immediately dismisses the confession. This reinforce the theme anonymity and the dehumanization of individuals in a capitalist society. -
The murder of two prostitutes
Patrick brings two prostitutes into his apartment to engage in sexual activities. However, he sadistically kills them both. The graphic and disturbing murders highlights the depth of Patrick depravity as well as his twisted mind and complete disregard for human lives. -
The encounter with a detective, Donald Kimball
Detective Donald Kimball visits Patrick to question him about Paul Owen's disappearance. Patrick manages to deflect suspicion and evade capture, highlighting the ineffectiveness of law enforcement in uncovering the truth. This event also adds an element of suspense and tension to the narrative, as Patrick's secrets and web of lies begins to unveil. -
A trip to London
As Patrick travels to London, he continues his violent acts, killing, and mutilating many victims. These acts in London even further blur the line between Patricks fantasies and reality, leaving the reader to question the veracity of his actions. -
The mysterious disappearance of his friend, Tim Price
Tim Prince, Patrick´s good friend, suddenly goes missing under suspicious circumstances. While it remains ambiguous whether Patrick is responsible for Tim's disappearance, the event adds uncertainty and paranoia to the story. It reinforces the notion that no one truly knows the extent of Patrick's crimes. This further blurs the line between Patrick´s fantasies and reality. -
The ambiguous ending
The novel concludes with an ambiguous ending that leaves the reader questioning the veracity of Patrick's crimes and the reliability of his narration. It creates the question if all the horrors described may have only been in his head, or a scathing commentary on the moral bankruptcy of society. The questionable ending invites readers to reflect on the themes presented throughout the novel, and conclude for their own. Was it all in his imagination, or was the gruesome and horrific events real? -
The murder of a colleague, Luis Carruthers
Patrick invites another coworker, Luis Carruthers, to his apartment. In no difference from the episode with Paul Owen, he goes on to torture and kill Carruthers, further illustrating his sadistic nature. This event shows Patrick's ability to manipulate and exploit those around him. -
A visit to his psychiatrist
Patrick seeks therapy from Dr. Elizabeth Monahan where he shares is violent fantasies and confessions. However, Dr. Elizabeth Monahan dismisses his revelations as mere fantasies, failing to recognize the extent of Patrick's psychopathy. This event highlights the theme of societal indifference and the failure of institutions to address or recognize the depths of evil that can exist within individuals.