Is Tyler Durden a leader with a useful philosophy?  Durden’s philosophy is succinctly captured in the claim that “It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”  Consider this statement in light of philosophers that have held this view, such as Nietzsche.  How accurate is this statement?  What are the origins or nihilism?  Why is it that losing everything is equated to freedom?  Does it concern only material possessions or personal relationships as well?  Is it a good philosophy? 

Overview

To address the requirements of this assignment successfully, you must take a position on the issue discussed and construct an argument in support of that position in order to further the discussion.  You must also discuss a contrary position to your point of view, and then argue against that contrary position by constructing an effective refutation. Although both positions must be present in your paper, you must maintain a clear focus in support of your own position. Your task is to choose an issue from Fight Club and construct an academic argument in response to this issue.

Evaluation criteria: Your goals in this assignment are to do the following:

  • construct a thesis which clearly presents your position;
  • summarize your position on this issue;
  • support your position with specific examples and details;
  • organize your paper effectively to help your readers see the connections you are making and to emphasize important points;
  • present an opposing viewpoint by accurately and fairly summarizing the points made by those who disagree with your position;
  • refute an opposing viewpoint effectively by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the argument and responding to the opposition’s points;
  • express your ideas in Standard English and in accordance with academic conventions.

 

Fight Club Prompts

  1. Is Tyler Durden a leader with a useful philosophy?  Durden’s philosophy is succinctly captured in the claim that “It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”  Consider this statement in light of philosophers that have held this view, such as Nietzsche.  How accurate is this statement?  What are the origins or nihilism?  Why is it that losing everything is equated to freedom?  Does it concern only material possessions or personal relationships as well?  Is it a good philosophy?
  2. “Our culture has made us all the same.  No one is truly white or black or rich, anymore.  We all want the same.  Individually, we are nothing” (Palahniuk, 134).  This is a pivotal quote in Fight Club.  How do you respond to such a bold statement?  Are we a culture of individuals or are we on the same monotonous path in life?  Depending on your response to this statement, consider what would create this feeling of monotony.  What institutions or factors have influenced us to be either individuals or homogeneous?  What poses more of a threat to society-one made up entirely of individuals or one that is homogenous?  How does Fight Club treat this issue?
  3. Is Fight Club a sexist book?  The primary characters in the book are men and the few female characters are often mistreated, such as Marla Singer?  What is Marla’s purpose in the book?  What do critics say about this issue in the book?  Does the sexist nature of the book undermine the political and social commentary that it attempts to provide?  Does it place men on a higher platform in society than women?  Why?  What does it say that this book resonates more with men today, especially when we are considered to have advanced in society as far as gender relations?
  4. The characters in Fight Club rebel against materialistic society in order to “reclaim” their masculinity in a society that often demeans it.  Is the book attempting to re-define man today?  Throughout time the image and the expectation of the man today has changed.  One dominant example of a man, historically speaking, was one who fought battles and overcame obstacles, mainly physical.  Examine this issue by analyzing the evolution and expectation of a man throughout history, using specific examples.  How has it changed?  Is the type of man that Fight Club seeks to produce one that can function in the 21st century?
  5. Many readers are left perplexed at the conclusion of Fight Club.  Despite this apparent confusion, the novel offers a scathing indictment of Western society and its emphasis on material wealth and status.  How does Palahniuk use the narrator, Tyler, and Fight Club to critique mainstream consumer culture.  Why does the novel imply that “we are living empty lives with empty goals”?  Does it provide an alternate form of living for those who feel disconnected to our consumer society?  Why does the novel indicate/imply about our purpose as humans?

 

Formatting Requirements of the Paper

  1. Include an interesting and descriptive title that clearly announces the topic you are analyzing;
  2. Use proper MLA heading;
  3. Must be at least 2000 words in length;
  4. Use Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1” margins;
  5. Number your pages;

 

Grading or Assessment

Your essay will be graded on the following:

  1. Analysis/Quality of Argument
  2. Thesis
  3. Organization
  4. Research (use of sources (at least 5), integrating sources, etc.)
  5. Conventions (style, grammar, etc.)