The subject holds a straw hat loosely at his side, and has a book resting on a bench directly behind him. ... The sheer size of this painting, which stands a little over 4 feet high, 3 feet wide, creates a sense that the child could be real, suspended from invisible supports on the wall. ... There are a lot of diagonal lines both in the lattice of the porch, and in the perspective of the planks at the young man's feet, which continue to the stairs. ... The irony that there is so much visual movement around this work, in line, color, shape and technique, while the boy (who, as boys usua...

• Word Count: 1758
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Bateman is a narcissistic character, in love with himself, literally and figuratively, who aspires to the rank of Perfect Man. ... "I tell you, my man, this is the American Dream in action! ... There is also an irony that connects them. ... Being a vapid soul, he likes only the most vapid bands; Huey Lewis and the News, Whitney Houston and Genesis are the three bands he discusses in the book. ... The man responds "Bateman killing Owen and the escort girl? ...

• Word Count: 2076
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School