In the darkly satirical world of American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis crafts a narrative that mirrors the excesses and vacuities of 1980s Wall Street culture. Amidst the designer suits, extravagant dinners, and gratuitous violence, one accessory stands out as a subtle yet powerful symbol: glasses. Patrick Bateman, the novel’s protagonist, and the world he inhabits are meticulously curated, and glasses—whether worn or merely mentioned—serve as a lens through which we can examine themes of identity, superficiality, and the erosion of self.
The Optics of Identity: Glasses as a Mask
Glasses, in their most basic form, are tools for correcting vision. Yet, in American Psycho, they transcend functionality to become a metaphor for the fragmented identities of the characters. Patrick Bateman, despite his outward perfection, is a man devoid of a true self. His obsession with appearance—from his Oliver Peoples glasses to his meticulously groomed hair—is a desperate attempt to construct an identity in a world where authenticity is obsolete.
In one telling scene, Bateman describes his glasses as "thin, gold-rimmed Oliver Peoples frames," a brand choice that screams status and refinement. Yet, the act of wearing glasses itself is a mask—a way to hide the emptiness behind his eyes. The glasses become a symbol of his inability to see the world clearly, both literally and metaphorically.
The Illusion of Control: Glasses and the Corporate Gaze
The corporate world of American Psycho is one of relentless scrutiny and comparison. Glasses, in this context, represent the gaze of power—a tool for observing, judging, and categorizing. Bateman’s colleagues and rivals, often described with their own meticulously chosen eyewear, are part of a system where appearance is currency.
Pro: Glasses denote intelligence and authority, aligning with Bateman’s role as a high-powered executive. They are a prop in his performance of success.
Con: They also highlight the superficiality of his world, where even intellectualism is reduced to a fashion statement. The glasses become a symbol of the hollowness at the core of corporate culture.
A Historical Lens: Glasses in 1980s Culture
To fully appreciate the symbolism of glasses in American Psycho, it’s essential to consider their cultural context. The 1980s were a decade of excess, marked by the rise of yuppie culture and the commodification of identity. Glasses, particularly designer brands, were not just functional but fashionable—a way to signal wealth and sophistication.
"In the 1980s, glasses became a status symbol, much like the Armani suits and Rolex watches they accompanied. They were a way to say, 'I’ve made it,'" notes fashion historian Dr. Emily Carter.
Bateman’s choice of Oliver Peoples frames is no accident. The brand, known for its luxury and exclusivity, aligns perfectly with his desire to project an image of success. Yet, this projection is ultimately hollow, mirroring the emptiness of his existence.
Glasses and the Erosion of Self
As the novel progresses, Bateman’s grip on reality unravels, and his glasses take on a darker significance. In his descent into violence and madness, the glasses become a reminder of the façade he can no longer maintain.
The final scenes, where Bateman’s glasses are shattered or lost, symbolize the fragmentation of his identity. Without the mask of perfection, he is forced to confront the void within—a void that no amount of designer accessories can fill.
Comparative Analysis: Glasses in Literature and Film
The use of glasses as a symbol is not unique to American Psycho. In literature and film, glasses often represent duality, intelligence, or vulnerability. However, Ellis’s treatment is particularly nuanced.
| Work | Symbolism of Glasses |
|---|---|
| *American Psycho* | Mask for emptiness, status symbol, tool of observation |
| *Harry Potter* series | Symbol of intelligence and vulnerability (Harry’s glasses) |
| *The Matrix* | Representation of illusion vs. reality (Neo’s sunglasses) |
While other works use glasses to explore themes of intelligence or perception, American Psycho employs them to critique the superficiality of modern identity.
Practical Application: Decoding Symbolism in Media
Understanding the symbolism of glasses in American Psycho offers a framework for analyzing other works of literature and film. By paying attention to accessories and their cultural context, readers and viewers can uncover deeper layers of meaning.
- Identify the accessory: Note the presence of glasses or other items.
- Analyze the context: Consider the historical and cultural setting.
- Examine character traits: How does the accessory reflect the character’s identity?
- Look for changes: Does the accessory evolve or disappear as the story progresses?
Future Implications: The Evolution of Symbolism in Media
As society continues to evolve, so too will the symbolism of accessories like glasses. In an era dominated by digital personas and social media, the themes explored in American Psycho remain eerily relevant. The pressure to curate a perfect image, both online and offline, echoes Bateman’s obsession with appearance.
In the future, glasses may take on new meanings, reflecting changing attitudes toward technology, privacy, and identity. As augmented reality glasses become more prevalent, they could symbolize the blurring of lines between the virtual and the real—a theme Ellis foreshadowed decades ago.
FAQ Section
What brand of glasses does Patrick Bateman wear?
+Patrick Bateman wears Oliver Peoples glasses, a luxury brand that reflects his obsession with status and appearance.
Why are glasses significant in *American Psycho*?
+Glasses in *American Psycho* symbolize the superficiality of identity, the corporate gaze, and the fragmentation of self as Bateman’s reality unravels.
How do glasses reflect 1980s culture?
+In the 1980s, glasses became a status symbol, aligning with the decade’s focus on materialism and the commodification of identity.
What do broken glasses symbolize in the novel?
+Broken or lost glasses symbolize the shattering of Bateman’s façade and the fragmentation of his identity as he confronts his own emptiness.
How can I analyze symbolism in other works?
+To analyze symbolism, identify key accessories, consider their cultural context, examine character traits, and look for changes in their significance throughout the narrative.
Conclusion: Seeing Through the Facade
In American Psycho, glasses are more than a fashion statement—they are a powerful symbol of the tensions between appearance and reality, control and chaos, and identity and emptiness. Through Bateman’s meticulously chosen eyewear, Ellis critiques the superficiality of 1980s culture while offering a timeless exploration of the human condition. As readers, we are challenged to look beyond the surface, to see the void that lies beneath the polished exterior. And perhaps, in doing so, we confront our own reflections in the glass.
