‘The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.’ Power, Greed and Narcissism in American Literature

Greed, power, narcissism – topical subjects, wouldn’t you say.

Well, greed is a powerful and recurring theme in American literature, often used to explore the darker aspects of human nature and society. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s  masterful exploration of greed and the American Dream, the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, amasses a great fortune in his pursuit of wealth and status to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel critiques the moral decay and emptiness that can accompany the relentless pursuit of wealth. The greed of large landowners and banks during the Great Depression is highlighted in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. The Joad family, driven off their land by economic hardship, encounters exploitation and greed as they travel to California in search of a better life. And in the play "Death of a Salesman", Arthur Miller examines the destructive effects of greed and the pursuit of material success. The protagonist, Willy Loman, is a salesman who becomes consumed by his desire for success and recognition, ultimately leading to his downfall.

But probably the most searing critique of greed and consumerism is American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, a novel about the extreme consequences of 1980s excess. The protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer, driven by his insatiable desire for wealth and power.

In American Psycho, power and death are intricately linked through the character of Bateman. Professional success and wealth grant him a significant amount of power and influence in his social and professional circles. This power allows him to act with impunity and get away with his heinous crimes without facing consequences.

Bateman's acts of violence and murder are driven by his need for control and dominance. Killing becomes a way for him to exert his power over others and fulfil his sadistic desires. The sense of superiority he gains from taking lives feeds his ego and reinforces his sense of power.

The novel portrays a society obsessed with materialism and superficiality, where people are desensitised to violence and death. Bateman's crimes go unnoticed or ignored, reflecting the moral decay of his environment. This desensitisation further empowers Bateman to continue his killing spree without fear of retribution.

Bateman's double life as a successful businessman and a ruthless killer highlights his fractured identity and sense of alienation. His power and wealth do not bring him fulfilment or happiness, leading him to seek power through violence and death.

Overall, American Psycho uses the connection between power and death to critique the excesses and moral emptiness of 1980s consumer culture. The novel explores how the pursuit of power and wealth can lead to dehumanisation and a disregard for the value of human life.

These works, among others, illustrate how greed can lead to moral corruption, societal decay and personal destruction. They serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of wealth at any cost.

The Pursuit of Wealth and Immorality

The notion that success in business, leading to money and power, grants someone the freedom or ability to kill is a complex and controversial idea. While American Psycho explores this theme in a fictional and exaggerated manner, it does raise some interesting points for discussion.

In real life, individuals with significant wealth and power can sometimes exploit their resources to avoid legal consequences for their actions. This doesn't imply freedom to commit crimes with impunity, but rather, it highlights how the wealthy might navigate legal systems differently from others.

1. Moral and Ethical Implications: The pursuit of power and wealth can sometimes lead individuals to compromise their moral and ethical standards. In extreme cases, this could result in harmful behaviour, though it's crucial to note that such actions are not justified or acceptable.

   
   

2. Fiction vs. Reality: While "American Psycho" uses the character of Patrick Bateman to illustrate the potential dangers of unchecked greed and ambition, it's a fictional narrative. In reality, there are laws, social norms, and ethical guidelines that govern behaviour, regardless of one's wealth or status.

Ultimately, while there may be instances where wealth and power influence legal outcomes, it's essential to differentiate between fictional representations and real-life scenarios. Society relies on justice systems and ethical standards to ensure that individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions.

Entitlement and the Need for Admiration

Patrick Bateman, the protagonist of American Psycho, exhibits many traits associated with narcissism, though it's important to note that he also displays other severe psychological disorders:

1. Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance: Bateman has an exaggerated sense of his own worth, intelligence and attractiveness. He believes he is superior to others and is obsessed with his appearance and status.

   
   

2. Lack of Empathy: One of the hallmarks of narcissism is a lack of empathy for others. Bateman is profoundly indifferent to the feelings and needs of those around him, and he sees people as mere objects to be used or discarded.

   
   

3. Need for Admiration: Bateman craves attention and admiration. He enjoys being the centre of attention and takes great pride in his expensive lifestyle, designer clothes and the luxurious life he leads.

   
   

4. Entitlement and Exploitation: He feels entitled to special treatment and believes that he can do whatever he wants without facing consequences. His actions often involve exploiting others to fulfil his own desires.

   
   

5. Superficial Relationships: Bateman's relationships are shallow and self-serving. He surrounds himself with people who bolster his self-image, but has no genuine connections or emotional bonds with anyone.

While Bateman's narcissistic traits are evident, his violent and sadistic behaviour goes beyond typical narcissism. He exhibits signs of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy, characterised by a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, impulsive and aggressive behaviour and a lack of remorse or guilt.

In sum, while Patrick Bateman demonstrates narcissistic traits, his psychological profile is more complex and includes elements of other severe personality disorders.

American Psycho offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature and explores themes of power, manipulation and violence, the potential consequences of unchecked materialism and superficiality.