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Cosmopolis


The book "Cosmopolis" by Don Delillo tells the story of Eric Packer, an insanely wealthy man who is the head of a financial firm. The plot is simple, we follow Eric as he rides his limo on his way to get a haircut. What's interesting about this story is that our lead, who definitely sees the world through a much more privileged set of eyes, expresses his desire to get a haircut in a not so luxurious establishment but more so from a little shop across town. A contradiction that makes the character of Eric much more complex, he is in many ways aware of how the world around him is in shambles but chooses to believe that he is not a part of that world but more so just a spectator passing by as he continues with his everyday routine feeling like he is supposed to be in the position that he is in. Eric shows the capability of treating people as equals, especially when he interacts with his barber. He treats him with respect and doesn't dismiss him as another peasant everyday person. It tells you that in some ways there's still a glimmer of hope where maybe Eric could one day reform his privileged ways. The author does a great job of showing you just how easy it is to forget your reality and fixate on luxury.

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