Absence Quote by Bret Easton Ellis
“When we sat down to eat I took inventory of the people in the room, and the remnants of my good mood evaporated when I realized how very little I had in common with them – the career dads, the responsible and diligent moms – and I was soon filled with dread and loneliness. I locked in on the smug feeling of superiority that married couples give off and that permeated the air – the shared assumptions, the sweet and contented apathy, it all lingered everywhere – despite the absence in the room of anyone single at which to aim this.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: American Psycho, Bret Easton Ellis, 1991
The narrator feels alienated at a social gathering, noting a lack of common ground and sensing superiority among couples, leading to dread and loneliness.
In simple terms: Feeling out of place and lonely at a gathering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge feelings of superiority.
Themes
alienation
loneliness
social class
superiority
family dynamics
Mood
melancholy
reflective
critical
Type
narrative
social commentary
psychological
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- networking events
- dinner parties
- holiday meals
- reunions
Key Concepts
existentialism
social critique
identity
class consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about others based on their family status?
- How can you foster connection despite perceived differences?
A Different Perspective
The narrator’s perspective may be biased by personal insecurities, not an objective assessment.
