As such they, and the generation of men they represent, have been spending their adult years trying to reclaim their masculinity while also looking for guidance. They both feel rejected and even resented by their fathers. As the novel progresses it becomes clear that Tyler and the Narrator both feel that their fathers did not actually want children or the responsibility they bring. Raised largely by their mothers, they feel they did not have a strong masculine figure in their lives to teach them about being men. How does this inform their worldview and the founding of fight club?īoth men initially bond over the fact that their respective fathers did not have a large role in their lives. The Narrator reacts with extreme jealousy, suggesting a greater depth and intensity of emotions for Tyler.īoth Tyler and the Narrator express that they had little contact with their fathers while growing up.

The notion that the Narrator has more than simple feelings of admiration for Tyler continue in the novel when Marla and Tyler become acquainted. Tyler then gives his phone number to the Narrator, almost as if they were beginning a possible relationship. Both characters are in the nude as they become acquainted, giving the scene homoerotic undertones. Upon meeting Tyler, there is an obvious sense of admiration for him on the part of the Narrator. What kind of undertones does this passage contain? What does it say about how the Narrator views Tyler? The narrative becomes something of a conversation between reader and character.Įxamine the scene in which the Narrator meets Tyler Durden on the beach. This allows the reader to directly relate to the Narrator. Lines like 'You don't understand any of it, and then you die (p.12)' directly involve the reader. This also mirrors Tyler's practice in Project Mayhem, where members do not have any names.Ĭonsider also Palahniuk's use of the second person throughout the novel. He could be anyone, including the reader. What is the significance of the fact that the Narrator's real name is never revealed?īy never giving the Narrator a proper name, Palahniuk allows the Narrator to appear as a sort of Everyman.

Fight club by chuck palahniuk