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Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
End of the 1980s
Explanation and Analysis—Two Snowflakes:
In the chapter "End of the 1980s," Patrick alternates between passages describing a lunch with Jean and passages that delve into long, strange philosophical observations. One of these is a mysterious discussion of "the idea of Patrick Bateman," in which Patrick theorizes his own self and identity and find it "fabricated, an aberration." Immediately after this, Patrick returns to his conversation with Jean, and asks her if she thinks he is unique. Patrick reinterprets an idiom to describe how he feels:
“How many people in this world are like me?” I ask again. “Do I really appear like that?”
“Patrick,” she says. “I wouldn’t lie.”
“No, of course you wouldn’t … but I think that …” My turn to sigh, contemplatively. “I think … you know how they say no two snowflakes are ever alike?”
She nods.
“Well, I don’t think that’s true. I think a lot of snowflakes are alike … and I think a lot of people are alike too.” She nods again, though I can tell she’s very confused.
“Appearances can be deceiving,” I admit carefully.
Related Themes:
