Requiem for a Dream: A Novel

Throughout the novel. Sara is obsessed with fitting into her red dress for her television appearance. What does this dress signify to Sara? How does it correspond to her addiction to TV, and later to diet pills? Does her obsession with the American Dream of fame coincide with the text’s understanding of addiction?

Selby Jr. uses deep point of view, often rapidly switching from third-person to first-person, adopting a different narrative tone and voice for each character. How does this impact the characterization of the novel’s protagonists? How does it help the reader understand their thoughts, reactions, and motivations throughout the novel?

Trace the progress of Harry, Tyrone, and Marion’s addiction throughout the novel. What role do denial and self-deception play in their gradual decline?