Hunter S. Thompson's famed novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas creates
a vivid portrayal of a
drug-afflicted life
for a non-using
reader.
Written during the era of
drug use, Thompson's novel leads one to
believe that if you were alive during this period, you surely would not
have remembered it. The true depths of Thompson's mind are displayed
through the various hallucinations and psychedelic images envisioned by
the main characters Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo. If maniac, crazed drug
trips are not your style, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas would not be a
number one choice on your literary register.
As early as the first chapter, the reader realizes the magnitude
of the drug affiliation in the story.
Thompson uses Duke as a character in which he is really portraying
himself. This technique, known as "Gonzo," places the journalist into
the story and allows the writer to show action with himself being
involved. This style is used in various works of Thompson and is very
prevalent in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Due to Thompson's journalistic background, another device that is
frequently used in his work is the process of analyzing everything
around him. Thompson, being portrayed as Raoul Duke, presents the
entire story as an observation and with an analysis. Despite his inapt
sense of judgment due to the drugs, the main character still leads the
reader through a plot of a great journey into the heart of Las Vegas.
Duke suspends the reader in a world of fantasies that occur while
visiting the great city while still leaving behind the dark images of
drug abuse. The true evil side of a drug addiction comes to mind in
thrilling scenes such as Dr. Gonzo's trip in the bath tub. He considers
suicide by electrocution while listening to the song "White Rabbit."
Duke's lunatic encounter with the monsters in the lobby of the hotel
takes the reader down a spiraling staircase in the depths of true
insanity. All of these psychotic experiences make Fear and Loathing an
intriguing and stimulating read. Although some consider the novel an
immature, drug pushing, anarchic story; it is truly a witty
masterpiece.