Money

Although John Self is supposed to be an exaggerated self-indulger, I actually feel some type of relation to him. Self is rather harsh, but his sarcasm is a language I can understand. Self is extremely opinionated and much of what he says resonates some truth. Since the first 50 or so pages take place in New York City, most of the locations he describes are places I have been to myself. When he mentions how "Broadway always contrives to be just that little bit shittier than the zones through which it bends" (32), I can't help but chuckle because I can see where he's coming from. I'm sure Broadway was much different in the 1980's, but, even now, it still has traces of "shitty". Since the story is written in first person narrative, the separation between Amis and John Self is a bit blurred. Third person narrative is sometimes not opinionated, and because Amis seems to be speaking through Self, he does not allow himself a chance to be a nonpartisan. Amis' style is also domineering. Self has strong opinions on things and speaks in very matter-of-fact tone. When he acknowledges the reader, he speaks as if he knows their thoughts. When describing the types of people Self hates, Amis writes, "...And you hate me, don't you. Yes you do." (59) Amis and Self are generalizing and stereotyping the type of people who use money for charity as opposed to means of self-gratification. His sentences are short and simple, not leaving any room for interpretation. Since Self, "as a rule, hate[s] people who are the beneficiaries of a university education"(59), Amis is implying that Self's views are not prone to change. Self is judgmental, which is a quality that many people can possess. Amis writes what other people are thinking, and even if it is not actually how they feel, Amis will say it is.