This thesis attempts to provide a new interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, American Psycho. In the first section, I base my interpretation on that of the theorist Jennifer Krause, specifically on her connection between the novel’s protagonist, Patrick Bateman, and postmodernity. Then, through the use of theories of maximalism, Jean Baudrillard’s conceptions of postmodernity, as well as contemporary vocabulary from Moeller and D’Ambrosio, I present a critique and deepening of Krause’s interpretation. Finally, with regard to everything discussed, I attempt a contemporary literary critique of the novel.
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