Characterize the narrator from the first paragraph
He’s vain, selfish. He’s want’s to appear rich. He’s a Yuppie.
Characterize the setting: the ballroom and its atmosphere
There’s a lot of (seemingly) rich people. Cheap: non-vintage wine, lame cover band. Hostile.
What does the conversation between Courtney and Patrick tell you about Patrick?
Selfish, careless, condescending
Comment on the word “hardbodies”
Means “a young woman with a nice body, to which whom a person using the term won’t decline to make love.”
What’s the difference between the “crack” Patrick is offered (p.133b) and the “cocaine” he is looking for on p.132?
Crack is a cheap version of cocaine, but more effective. Cocaine is pure.
How does Patrick feel about homosexuals? How can you tell?
He doesn’t like them. He calls them faggots.
Characterize the bum
Black, cries a lot, dirty, stinks, hungry, has a dog, fortyish, heavyset, unshaven, triple chin, runny nose with thick brown veins, wears pantsuit with washed-out jeans worn over it and ripped orange/brown sweater,
Compare Al’s life to Patrick’s
Patrick: rich, high social status, glamorous, carefree.
Al: poor, no social status, miserable, hopeless.
Patrick starts by offering a 10-dollar bill, but ends up throwing a quarter in his face. Why?
He seems interested at first, but ends up mocking him. 5-dollar bill is an act of compassion..
Why does Patrick ask if Al’s was fired because of insider trading?
He thought too much of him for a second and then made it a joke.
Comment on the way Patrick speaks to Al
Respect-less, mocking, impatient, irritated
Patrick says “I don’t have anything in common with you”. Comment on this
He has no compassion for him. Cannot relate.
What does Patrick do to Al? And to Gizmo? Why?
He is toying with Al by cutting in his eyes and stabbing him. He breaks Gizmo’s front legs. He bored and psychotic.
How does Patrick feel after his deed?
He feels high on endorphin.
Patrick needs “a celebratory drink”. What’s there to celebrate?
Good riddance.
Why does he go to the McDonalds?
That’s where Al would go, he thought.
What is the theme of the text?
Horror. Conflicts between social classes. The American Dream gone wrong.