# American Psycho > 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis **Wikidata**: [Q466504](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q466504) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Psycho) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/american-psycho-q466504 ## Summary *American Psycho* is a 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, a controversial and influential work that critiques 1980s yuppie culture through the darkly satirical perspective of a serial killer. The novel blends graphic violence, social commentary, and psychological depth, becoming a landmark in contemporary American literature. ## Key Facts - **Author**: Bret Easton Ellis (born March 7, 1964) - **Publication Date**: March 6, 1991 - **Genre**: Satirical fiction, transgressive fiction, thriller - **Country of Origin**: United States - **Literary Work Classification**: Subclass of "work of art" and "written work," distinct from general written works - **Notable Connections**: - Linked to the University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706 - Referenced in the Dictionary of Archives Terminology with ID "literary-works" - Part of the Encyclopedia of China (third edition) with ID 223088 - Connected to the Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging with ID 13535 - **Wikidata Properties**: - Instance of: type of work of art - Subclass of: work of art, written work - Different from: version, edition or translation, fiction, written work - Has part: text - Fabrication method: writing - Has characteristic: type of literary work - **Identifiers**: - Open Library ID: OL1812933W - Google Knowledge Graph ID: /m/015rm8 - Wikidata QID: Q7725634 - Library of Congress Control Number: no2017022330 - ISBN-10: 060893672 - ISBN-13: 978-0608936725 - **Awards**: Recipient of the Prix de Flore for *The Rules of Attraction* - **Adaptations**: Adapted into a 2000 film starring Christian Bale - **Maintenance**: Maintained by WikiProject Books ## FAQs **What is the central theme of *American Psycho*?** *American Psycho* explores the moral decay and psychological disintegration of 1980s yuppies, using the narrative of a serial killer to critique consumerism, materialism, and societal alienation. **How does *American Psycho* differ from other novels by Bret Easton Ellis?** Unlike Ellis's earlier works like *Less Than Zero* and *The Rules of Attraction*, which focus on disillusioned youth, *American Psycho* takes a darker, more transgressive approach, blending satire with graphic violence and psychological depth. **What makes *American Psycho* controversial?** The novel's depiction of violence, misogyny, and materialism has sparked debates about its portrayal of masculinity, consumer culture, and societal norms, making it a polarizing work in literary and cultural discourse. **Has *American Psycho* been adapted into other media?** Yes, the novel was adapted into a 2000 film starring Christian Bale, which further amplified its cultural impact and controversy. **What role does the protagonist play in the novel's critique of society?** The protagonist, Patrick Bateman, serves as a satirical figure who embodies the excesses and moral decay of 1980s yuppie culture, using his serial killing spree as a metaphor for societal dysfunction. **How does *American Psycho* compare to other transgressive fiction?** Like other transgressive works, *American Psycho* pushes boundaries by exploring taboo subjects such as violence, sexuality, and moral ambiguity, challenging conventional narratives in literature. **What is the significance of the novel's title?** The title *American Psycho* reflects the novel's critique of American consumer culture and the psychological detachment of its characters, highlighting the dark underbelly of societal materialism. **How has *American Psycho* influenced contemporary literature and film?** The novel has influenced a generation of writers and filmmakers, inspiring works that explore similar themes of moral decay, societal critique, and psychological depth in modern fiction. **What is the relationship between *American Psycho* and Bret Easton Ellis's other works?** *American Psycho* is part of Ellis's broader exploration of youth culture and societal decay, building on themes introduced in earlier novels like *Less Than Zero* and *The Rules of Attraction*. **Why is *American Psycho* considered a landmark in contemporary American literature?** The novel's blend of satire, violence, and social commentary has cemented its status as a defining work of the era, influencing discussions about morality, media, and societal values. ## Why It Matters *American Psycho* matters as a groundbreaking work of contemporary literature that challenges societal norms and explores the darker aspects of human nature. Its provocative critique of 1980s yuppie culture and consumerism has made it a cultural touchstone, sparking debates about morality, media, and societal values. The novel's influence extends beyond literature, shaping discussions in film, psychology, and social commentary. By blending satire with graphic violence, *American Psycho* has cemented its place as a defining work of modern fiction, provoking thought about the human condition and societal decay. ## Notable For - **Landmark Satire**: Pioneered a subversive, satirical style critiquing modern society and consumer culture. - **Cultural Controversy**: Sparked widespread debate about violence, misogyny, and societal norms in American literature. - **Influential Adaptation**: Adapted into a 2000 film starring Christian Bale, extending its reach into popular culture. - **Psychological Depth**: Blends graphic violence with psychological insight, challenging conventional narratives. - **Transgressive Fiction**: Explores taboo subjects such as serial killing and moral ambiguity, pushing literary boundaries. - **Generational Impact**: Influenced a generation of writers and filmmakers, shaping discussions about societal decay. - **Critical Reception**: Recipient of the Prix de Flore for *The Rules of Attraction*, recognizing its literary merit. - **Satirical Critique**: Uses the narrative of a serial killer to critique the excesses of 1980s yuppie culture. - **Literary Legacy**: Considered a defining work of contemporary American literature, provoking thought about morality and media. - **Academic Study**: Studied in literary and cultural contexts for its exploration of societal critique and psychological depth. ## Body ### Definition and Nature *American Psycho* is a 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis, a controversial and influential work that critiques 1980s yuppie culture through the darkly satirical perspective of a serial killer. The novel blends graphic violence, social commentary, and psychological depth, becoming a landmark in contemporary American literature. ### Classification and Relationships *American Psycho* is a literary work, classified as a type of work of art and a subclass of written work. It is distinct from general written works and is composed of text created through the process of writing. The novel is linked to the following identifiers and classifications: - **psh_id**: 6918 - **yso_id**: 1150 - **ne.se_id**: litterärt-verk - **kbpedia_id**: LiteraryWork - **open_library_id**: OL32245091W - **google_knowledge_graph_id**: /g/1234t710, /g/11c71cnldv - **nl_cr_aut_id**: ph122380, ph117225, ph166330 - **model_item**: literature, comics, prose, diary - **subclass_of**: work of art, written work - **instance_of**: type of work of art - **has_characteristic**: type of literary work - **has_part**: text - **fabrication_method**: writing - **different_from**: version, edition or translation, fiction, written work ### Properties and Identifiers *American Psycho* is associated with a wide range of properties for this type, including: - **P50, P407, P136, P921, P373, P214, P8189, P747, P577, P495, P2408, P840, P166, P7937, P1274, P8383, P1085, P10319, P5331, P123, P1922, P3132, P144, P941, P1036, P244, P291, P953, P6216, P648, P674, P7150** ### Cultural and Academic Context *American Psycho* is foundational to the field of literature and is studied and preserved in academic and cultural contexts. It is linked to: - **University of Barcelona authority ID**: 981060927480506706 - **Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID**: literary-works - **Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID**: 223088 - **Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID**: 13535 - **Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae ID**: R5CMB55TONDPPKYZCQSNGMQASA ### Maintenance and Curation *American Psycho* is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and is associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation. ### Distinction from Other Concepts *American Psycho* is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from "version, edition or translation" and "fiction," which are considered separate entities. ### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives *American Psycho* is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement. ### Author: Bret Easton Ellis Bret Easton Ellis is an American novelist born in 1964, renowned for his provocative and influential works that explore themes of contemporary society, morality, and excess. He gained widespread recognition with his debut novel *Less Than Zero* (1985) and solidified his reputation with *American Psycho* (1991), a satirical critique of 1980s yuppie culture. His writing often blends dark humor, violence, and social commentary, making him a significant figure in late 20th-century American literature. ### Early Life and Education Bret Easton Ellis was born on March 7, 1964. He attended Bennington College in Vermont, where he began developing his writing style and gathering material for his early novels. His experiences at Bennington influenced the settings and characters in works like *The Rules of Attraction*. ### Literary Career and Major Works Ellis's literary career began in the 1980s with the publication of *Less Than Zero* (1985), which introduced his exploration of disillusionment and excess among wealthy youth. This was followed by *The Rules of Attraction* (1987), further examining the lives of privileged college students. His breakthrough came with *American Psycho* (1991), a controversial novel that critiqued 1980s yuppie culture through the lens of a serial killer's narrative. ### Satire and Social Commentary Ellis's work is characterized by its satirical edge and critique of modern society. Novels like *Glamorama* (1998) addressed celebrity culture and media manipulation, while *Lunar Park* (2005) blended horror and autobiography to explore themes of identity and trauma. *Imperial Bedrooms* (2010), a sequel to *Less Than Zero*, continued to examine the consequences of characters' actions over time. ### Non-Fiction and Essays In addition to fiction, Ellis has engaged in non-fiction writing. *White* (2019), a collection of essays, reflects his perspectives on art, culture, and politics, demonstrating his broader intellectual interests and willingness to engage with contemporary discourse. ### Influence and Legacy Ellis's influence on contemporary literature is evident in his impact on writers such as Chuck Palahniuk and his role in shaping the "Brat Pack" generation of authors. His novels have been adapted into films, including *American Psycho* (2000), extending his reach into popular culture. Ellis's work continues to provoke discussions about morality, media, and societal values, ensuring his relevance in literary and cultural studies. ### Personal Life and Affiliations Ellis has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his writing and literary contributions. He has no formal institutional affiliations and works independently as an author. His collaborations with other writers and artists have further enriched his literary contributions. ### Awards and Recognition While Ellis has not received major literary awards, his work has been widely recognized and adapted into films, television, and other media. His influence on contemporary fiction and popular culture is well-documented, with his novels and essays shaping discussions about societal norms and human behavior. ### Conclusion Bret Easton Ellis's contributions to literature have been profound, particularly in his exploration of satire, social commentary, and the darker aspects of human nature. His novels, such as *American Psycho*, have challenged traditional narratives and influenced a generation of writers and critics. Ellis's distinctive voice and ability to blend horror, satire, and psychological depth have made him a significant figure in modern literature, provoking thought about the human condition and societal norms. ## References 1. Google Books 2. Library of Congress Online Catalog 3. WorldCat 4. LIBRIS 5. Internet Speculative Fiction Database 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. Integrated Authority File 8. Library of Congress Name Authority File 9. IdRef 10. SUDOC 11. [Google Books](https://books.google.com/books?id=Gd_mGRCwW1QC&lpg=PP1&pg=PR4#v=onepage) 12. [Source](https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/american-psycho/9780679735779-item.html) 13. [Source](https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/American-Psycho-9780679735779) 14. [Source](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780679735779) 15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 16. [American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL1812933W/American_Psycho?edition=key%3A/books/OL22034830M) 17. Goodreads 18. Open Library 19. LibraryThing 20. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 21. CiNii 22. CiNii Research 23. BabelNet 24. IMDb 25. [Source](https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/american-psycho) 26. [Source](https://almeida.co.uk/whats-on/american-pyscho/3-dec-2013-1-feb-2014)