Synthesis activity: Fight Club, Turow, Twitchell, and Rosin

1. What does Fight Club reveal about our consumer culture? How can James Twitchell’s “The Allure of Luxury” connect with Fight Club? What do you know about luxury spending and what are your opinions on consumerism in society and the part materialism plays in our culture?

2. In the triangle relationship of Marla, Tyler and the narrator, why is Marla thought of as the source of all the problems? What is the role of Marla in this book? How does Rosin’s piece “The End of Men” factor into this issue? What do you know about gender roles in our society, especially the job market?

3. What is your opinion on marketing and the advertising industry? What does Turow have to say about that industry? Do you agree with him or not? What does Fight Club have to say about the advertising industry and why is it so critical? Explain.