After looking at the characters of Patrick Bateman and Dorian Gray, I find myself insane by society standards. I found myself wondering “Is it just me or are these men living the life?” Yes, of course they have their immoral behaviors and thoughts and things of that nature, but you can’t help but think to yourself, if you could, would you be them? If you could get away with murder, and not just murder but the most grotesque and obscene of crimes, would you? If you had the guarantee that you would never get caught, would you? If you were able to have your wrongdoings mark a painting rather than you, what would you do?
I found myself feeling sorry for Patrick Bateman because he was so empty. he had no drive, no ambition, and essentially found pleasure in nothing. He had everything that anyone could wish for. However, I found that his story was commenting on the ideas that were floating around in the 1980s. He took advantage of every pleasure he could, but did not really find any satisfaction from any of them. Once again, I could venture to say that I felt sorry for him.
Now Dorian Gray is another figure I wouldn’t mind experiencing myself. He, unlike Patrick Bateman, is able to find enjoyment in the sensual pleasures. However, he begins his downfall once his pursuit of pleasures begins to harm others. His first blemish cam about when he abandoned Sibyl Vane. Then began his path to ugliness.
What would these men say to each other? Who would pat who on the back? Who would be disgusted with who? Would Bateman want to kill Gray? Would Gray be revolted by Bateman? Would they see themselves on one another?
Something I found that Bateman and Gray had in common was their reluctance to be something other than perfect. Bateman hated when his girlfriend would say he could use a bit more time in the gym or when he would notice other people having something better than him, for example business cards. Dorian began his hedonistic approach to life when he was made aware that the world was at his feet while he is beautiful, young, and vital. Both characters took advantage of this power as much as they could because they did not want to reach the realization that they are going to grow old, ugly, and die.
Let us say that you have no faith in a “god” or a moral code… that promiscuous behavior, indulgence in sweet wines or hard liquor, exploration of hallucinogens and stimulants, and any and all things in between were not mandated by some “divine hand” as “sins,” would you admire these men? Would you want and desire this life of no consequence? If you could be beautiful for the rest of your days and could partake in every sensation you desired… what would hold you back? What you keep you from doing so??
Really, try to exit your inhibitions and explore this thought… And if you’re beginning to scare yourself, you’re doing it right.
