An evaluation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, specializing in its literary benefit, thematic exploration, and total affect, constitutes a crucial examination. These evaluations typically analyze narrative construction, character improvement, and the creator’s commentary on societal values. As an example, an article would possibly discover how a selected critique interprets Patrick Bateman as a illustration of late Twentieth-century consumerism.
The importance of those crucial items lies of their capability to broaden understanding and stimulate dialogue concerning complicated works of literature. They supply various viewpoints, providing historic context and unpacking doubtlessly ambiguous parts. Analyzing the reception a e book receives all through totally different eras reveals shifts in societal norms and literary tastes, highlighting the work’s enduring or diminishing relevance.
This evaluation now delves into particular facets generally addressed inside such evaluations, together with thematic interpretations, stylistic concerns, and the affect exerted by the topic materials.
1. Thematic Interpretation
Thematic interpretation types a crucial element of any “american psycho e book overview,” offering a framework for understanding the underlying messages and societal critiques embedded inside Bret Easton Ellis’s controversial novel. These interpretations transfer past surface-level readings, delving into the symbolism and allegorical representations current within the textual content.
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Consumerism and Materialism
A prevalent theme facilities on the obsessive consumerism and rampant materialism of the late Twentieth century. The protagonist’s meticulous descriptions of designer manufacturers, costly eating places, and splendid residences reveal a society fixated on superficial standing symbols. Vital critiques typically analyze how this relentless pursuit of fabric possessions contributes to Bateman’s detachment and ethical decay, reflecting a broader societal critique of values prioritizing wealth and look over real human connection.
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Identification and Superficiality
Many analyses deal with the theme of id, or reasonably, the dearth thereof. Patrick Bateman’s wrestle to outline himself past his materials possessions and social standing underscores the superficiality of the world he inhabits. Critiques spotlight how characters are sometimes indistinguishable from each other, additional emphasizing the interchangeable nature of people inside a consumerist society. The theme explores how id turns into a efficiency, constructed by exterior markers reasonably than inside substance, reflecting a deeper societal anxiousness about authenticity and self-worth.
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Violence and Societal Desensitization
The intense violence depicted within the novel serves as a focus for thematic interpretation. Critiques typically look at the desensitization to violence inside each Bateman and the broader society he represents. The graphic depictions, typically juxtaposed with banal on a regular basis actions, pressure readers to confront the unsettling actuality of how simply violence can grow to be normalized in a world saturated with media and indifference. Discussions would possibly discover the connection between societal apathy and the perpetuation of violence, positioning Bateman as a symptom of a bigger cultural malaise.
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Masculinity and Energy
Evaluations often tackle the theme of poisonous masculinity and the abuse of energy. Bateman embodies a distorted model of conventional masculine beliefs, characterised by aggression, dominance, and a deep-seated insecurity. Analyses focus on how his place of privilege permits him to perpetrate acts of violence with impunity, exposing the inherent energy imbalances inside society. The critique extends to the broader cultural context, inspecting how societal expectations of masculinity can contribute to dangerous behaviors and the objectification of girls.
These thematic interpretations, examined inside “american psycho e book overview,” collectively reveal the novel’s complicated and infrequently disturbing commentary on societal values, difficult readers to confront uncomfortable truths about consumerism, id, violence, and energy dynamics. By way of these analyses, the work transcends its controversial floor, providing a profound and enduring critique of the late Twentieth-century American expertise.
2. Narrative Fashion
The narrative fashion employed in Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho is central to understanding its crucial reception and the various interpretations present in “american psycho e book overview.” The novel’s construction, tone, and perspective profoundly affect how readers have interaction with its controversial themes and the unreliable narrator.
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First-Particular person Perspective and Unreliable Narration
The novel’s narration unfolds completely by Patrick Bateman’s first-person perspective. This subjective viewpoint forces the reader to rely solely on his perceptions, making it tough to discern actuality from delusion. The unreliability of Bateman as a narrator stems from his erratic conduct, distorted perceptions, and potential psychological instability. Vital critiques typically analyze how this narrative selection creates ambiguity and challenges the reader to query the veracity of the occasions described, resulting in a number of interpretations of the violence and Bateman’s psychological state. The narrative unreliability turns into a deliberate approach to unsettle the reader and lift questions in regards to the nature of reality and notion.
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Detailed Descriptions and Repetitive Patterns
Ellis makes use of meticulous, typically obsessive descriptions of vogue, meals, music, and environment. This hyper-detailed method contrasts sharply with the graphic depictions of violence, making a jarring juxtaposition. The repetitive nature of Bateman’s routines and monologues reinforces the sense of monotony and superficiality inside his world. “american psycho e book overview” often notes how this stylistic selection emphasizes the vacancy of shopper tradition and the protagonist’s detachment from actuality. The detailed descriptions, whereas seemingly mundane, contribute to the general unsettling ambiance and spotlight the protagonist’s descent into insanity.
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Juxtaposition of Banality and Brutality
A defining attribute of the novel’s narrative is the stark distinction between mundane, on a regular basis actions and graphic acts of violence. Bateman seamlessly transitions from discussing enterprise conferences and restaurant reservations to describing grotesque acts of torture and homicide. This juxtaposition serves to shock and disorient the reader, forcing them to confront the disturbing disconnect between look and actuality. Vital analyses typically look at how this narrative approach exposes the darkish underbelly of a seemingly civilized society and challenges the reader’s personal ethical boundaries. The abrupt shifts in tone and material contribute to the novel’s total unsettling impact.
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Stream of Consciousness and Fragmentation
The narrative often adopts a stream-of-consciousness fashion, reflecting Bateman’s fragmented ideas and unstable psychological state. The textual content shifts abruptly between totally different subjects, reminiscences, and fantasies, mirroring the protagonist’s chaotic inside world. This fragmented narrative construction contributes to the sense of disorientation and unreliability, additional blurring the traces between actuality and phantasm. “american psycho e book overview” typically discusses how this stylistic selection mirrors Bateman’s psychological disintegration, successfully conveying his fractured sense of self and his detachment from the world round him.
The convergence of those narrative parts unreliable narration, detailed descriptions, juxtaposition of banality and brutality, and stream-of-consciousness shapes the reader’s expertise and influences the crucial interpretations present in “american psycho e book overview.” The novel’s narrative fashion isn’t merely a stylistic selection however a deliberate technique to problem the reader’s perceptions and pressure them to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the human psyche.
3. Character Evaluation
A good portion of discourse surrounding Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho facilities on character evaluation, a cornerstone of any complete “american psycho e book overview.” These analyses probe the psychological make-up, motivations, and symbolic significance of the people populating the narrative. The efficacy of the critique largely will depend on the depth and nuance of its exploration of those characters, significantly Patrick Bateman.
The principal topic of such assessments is, inevitably, Patrick Bateman. Investigations delve into his narcissism, his detachment from actuality, and the potential causes of his violent tendencies. Are his actions a product of societal pressures, a manifestation of a deeper psychological dysfunction, or a satirical illustration of late-Twentieth-century extra? Completely different crucial viewpoints supply divergent solutions, impacting the general interpretation of the work. Moreover, secondary characters, reminiscent of Paul Owen, Evelyn Richards, and Luis Carruthers, are additionally subjected to scrutiny. Their interactions with Bateman, their very own superficiality, and their position in reinforcing the themes of the novel are examined. A shallow or incomplete character evaluation weakens the general evaluation, failing to seize the novel’s multifaceted commentary on id and societal values. As an example, neglecting the evaluation of Paul Owen’s character would fail to deal with the aggressive male ego throughout the story, overlooking how Bateman, motivated by envy and insecurity, needs to get rid of Owen from his peer group.
In conclusion, meticulous character evaluation is essential in formulating a strong “american psycho e book overview.” It gives the muse for understanding the novel’s thematic complexities and its critique of societal norms. With no thorough exploration of the characters’ motivations and their symbolic roles, the analysis dangers superficiality and fails to understand the complete scope of Ellis’s narrative intentions. The great evaluation of characters like Patrick Bateman, and his relations to others, results in a deeper understanding of the novel’s enduring relevance and its commentary on the human situation.
4. Social Commentary
Social commentary inside analyses serves as a pivotal framework for deciphering Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho, transferring past surface-level readings to dissect the novel’s critique of late Twentieth-century American society. Its examination permits a deeper understanding of the creator’s intent and the work’s enduring relevance.
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Critique of Shopper Tradition
The novel’s relentless deal with model names, materials possessions, and standing symbols features as a scathing indictment of shopper tradition. “american psycho e book overview” typically highlights how Bateman’s obsession with buying and displaying wealth displays a broader societal prioritization of superficiality over real human connection. This critique extends to the performative nature of id inside a consumerist framework, the place people are outlined by their buying energy reasonably than their inherent qualities.
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Expos of Male Privilege and Poisonous Masculinity
Critiques often analyze the novel’s portrayal of male privilege and the damaging penalties of poisonous masculinity. Bateman’s unchecked energy, stemming from his wealth and social standing, permits him to perpetrate acts of violence with impunity. The narrative exposes the systemic inequalities that permit such conduct to persist, difficult readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of gender dynamics and the abuse of energy inside patriarchal constructions. The exploration of male dominance serves as a criticism of societal norms that perpetuate dangerous expectations of masculinity.
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Satire of Yuppie Tradition
The novel’s depiction of Wall Avenue yuppies features as a satire of their shallow values, relentless ambition, and ethical chapter. “american psycho e book overview” typically factors out how the characters are largely indistinguishable from each other, emphasizing the conformist pressures inside this subculture. The deal with look, standing, and monetary success underscores the vacancy and alienation that may consequence from prioritizing materials wealth over private achievement. The satire serves as a cautionary story in regards to the risks of unchecked ambition and the erosion of moral requirements.
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Exploration of Societal Apathy and Desensitization
The novel’s graphic depictions of violence, typically juxtaposed with mundane particulars, serve to focus on societal apathy and desensitization. “american psycho e book overview” often examines how the characters’ indifference to struggling displays a broader cultural numbness to violence and injustice. The narrative challenges readers to confront their very own complicity in perpetuating a society the place empathy and compassion are more and more marginalized. The exploration of societal apathy serves as a name to motion, urging readers to withstand the normalization of violence and to domesticate a larger sense of social accountability.
These sides of social commentary, examined inside analyses, collectively contribute to the novel’s enduring energy and its capability to impress crucial reflection on modern society. By exploring themes of consumerism, male privilege, yuppie tradition, and societal apathy, American Psycho forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths in regards to the values and priorities that form our world, solidifying the significance of “american psycho e book overview” in understanding its persevering with significance.
5. Vital Reception
The evaluation of a literary work is considerably formed by its crucial reception. Within the context of American Psycho, its evaluations are profoundly influenced by how the novel was initially acquired and the way these views developed over time. Preliminary reactions typically dictated the lens by which subsequent evaluation occurred, establishing a basis of both condemnation or cautious appreciation that impacted later interpretations. The controversy surrounding the novel, significantly its graphic violence, acted as a filter, influencing early interpretations and shaping the trajectory of its analyses. As an example, preliminary unfavorable responses targeted on the perceived gratuitous nature of the violence, main some reviewers to dismiss the novel as mere sensationalism. Consequently, early research struggled to acknowledge different thematic parts.
The crucial reception, due to this fact, turns into a key component of “american psycho e book overview”, serving as a necessary contextual framework. By understanding how a piece was acquired upon launch, evaluations can tackle how its affect has grown and altered. Analyzing this historic perspective gives perception into shifting cultural values and their affect on literary evaluation. The passage of time can permit for a reassessment of themes and inventive benefit, doubtlessly revealing beforehand neglected nuances. For instance, later critiques have more and more emphasised the novel’s satirical parts and its commentary on shopper tradition, countering the sooner focus solely on its violent content material. This reveals the significance of incorporating reception analyses inside an “american psycho e book overview” to totally perceive the textual content’s literary significance and evolution.
In abstract, crucial reception gives important context for and serves as a lens that vastly influences the character of “american psycho e book overview”. With out an understanding of preliminary reactions and their trajectory, evaluations of the novel threat shedding useful historic and cultural insights, leading to a much less full or knowledgeable evaluation. Analyzing this relationship permits for a richer, extra nuanced understanding of the work and its ongoing contribution to the literary discourse. As opinions change, the evaluation of any given textual content will shift.
6. Historic Context
Historic context types an important framework for understanding Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. Analyzing the novel solely by a up to date lens dangers overlooking the numerous influences of the period wherein it was conceived and printed. An intensive “american psycho e book overview” integrates an understanding of the late Eighties and early Nineties to totally grasp the novel’s thematic intentions and social commentary.
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The Reagan Period and Materialism
The Eighties, significantly the Reagan period, have been marked by a surge in consumerism and materialism. Deregulation insurance policies fueled financial development, but in addition widened the hole between the rich and the working class. American Psycho‘s depiction of Patrick Bateman’s obsessive consumerism displays this societal shift. The character’s deal with designer manufacturers and standing symbols serves as a critique of the values that dominated the last decade. On this context, an “american psycho e book overview” assesses how Ellis makes use of Bateman to embody and satirize the excesses of the Reagan period.
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Wall Avenue and Yuppie Tradition
The late Eighties noticed the rise of Wall Avenue and yuppie tradition, characterised by ambition, wealth accumulation, and a deal with picture. American Psycho‘s setting throughout the monetary district and its portrayal of Bateman’s peer group seize the essence of this subculture. Their superficiality, aggressive nature, and ethical ambiguity replicate the anxieties surrounding unchecked capitalism and the pursuit of wealth at any value. Critiques typically discover how the novel critiques the moral compromises made within the pursuit of economic success.
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The AIDS Disaster and Societal Apathy
The AIDS disaster, which gained widespread consideration within the Eighties and early Nineties, uncovered societal prejudices and an absence of empathy in direction of marginalized communities. Whereas not explicitly addressed within the novel, the pervasive sense of apathy and detachment among the many characters may be interpreted as a mirrored image of this broader societal indifference. An “american psycho e book overview” would possibly analyze how the novel’s characters’ disregard for human struggling mirrors the societal indifference surrounding the AIDS disaster, contributing to the novel’s total critique of ethical decay.
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Postmodernism and Literary Influences
The novel’s fragmented narrative, unreliable narrator, and mixing of actuality and phantasm are attribute of postmodern literature. Ellis’s use of those methods displays the broader literary traits of the time, which challenged conventional notions of reality and illustration. An “american psycho e book overview” considers how the novel engages with postmodern themes and methods, positioning it inside a selected literary context. Understanding these influences helps to light up Ellis’s narrative decisions and their affect on the reader’s interpretation.
Integrating these historic parts into an “american psycho e book overview” permits for a extra nuanced and complete understanding of the novel’s complexities. By inspecting the societal, cultural, and literary forces that formed its creation, evaluations can successfully illuminate its enduring relevance and its contribution to the broader discourse on American id and societal values. It is vital to grasp that the textual content can’t be studied in a vacuum.
7. Literary Benefit
Literary benefit, regarding American Psycho, is commonly a contested side inside its critiques. The graphic nature of the novel often overshadows its potential inventive worth, resulting in debates concerning its value as a chunk of literature. Evaluation facilities on the effectiveness of Ellis’s narrative methods, the depth of its social commentary, and the complexity of its characters. A strong “american psycho e book overview” thus necessitates a discerning analysis of those parts to find out the presence, or absence, of literary benefit. If a overview solely concentrates on the violence with out analyzing Ellis’s writing ability or the novel’s commentary on late Twentieth-century tradition, that overview fails to totally assess the work’s potential literary worth.
The inclusion of literary benefit analyses in critiques expands the interpretation of the novel past mere sensationalism. By inspecting Ellis’s stylistic decisions, reviewers can unearth underlying themes and assess how the novel contributes to the broader literary panorama. The exploration would possibly think about the novel’s use of satire, its exploration of postmodern themes, or its progressive narrative construction. For instance, an evaluation may discover how Ellis employs unreliable narration to problem reader expectations and create ambiguity, thus contributing to the novel’s complexity and thematic depth. In sensible phrases, literary benefit can have an effect on the lasting popularity and affect of a novel. Literary awards committees might dismiss a novel because of its perceived lack of benefit, thereby influencing a textual content’s place in literary historical past.
In the end, figuring out literary benefit inside “american psycho e book overview” includes a balanced consideration of the novel’s inventive qualities and its societal affect. Overcoming the inherent challenges requires an open-minded method, transferring past surface-level reactions to have interaction with the textual content’s complexities. By analyzing narrative ability, social commentary, and character improvement, this will present a complete evaluation of its literary value, thereby contributing to a richer understanding of the work’s place throughout the canon and its broader cultural significance.
8. Authorial Intent
Authorial intent, or the creator’s meant which means or objective in creating a piece, types a posh and infrequently debated element of any literary evaluation, together with evaluations of American Psycho. Understanding the creator’s meant message impacts the interpretation of the textual content and subsequently influences the conclusions reached in “american psycho e book overview.” The problem, nonetheless, lies in figuring out intent precisely, as it’s typically inferred from the textual content itself and doubtlessly supplemented by exterior sources reminiscent of interviews or essays by the creator.
The position of authorial intent manifests particularly in differing crucial readings of American Psycho. For instance, if the intent was primarily satirical, the violent scenes is perhaps interpreted as hyperbolic exaggerations designed to critique societal ills reasonably than endorsements of violence. Conversely, if the meant message was a descent into insanity, the violence could also be considered as an outline of psychological disintegration. Due to this fact, totally different assumptions concerning intent instantly affect whether or not a “american psycho e book overview” deems the novel a profitable satire, a disturbing portrayal of psychosis, or an irresponsible glorification of violence. Moreover, authorial intent may affect discussions on the novel’s literary benefit. If the creator aimed to impress and problem societal norms, reviewers would possibly assess the novel’s success in attaining that purpose, even when the means have been controversial.
In the end, whereas authorial intent is a consideration, it isn’t the only real determinant of a textual content’s which means or worth. Readers deliver their very own experiences and views to the interpretation, and a literary work can resonate in methods unintended by its creator. However, grappling with potential authorial intent gives useful context for “american psycho e book overview”, enriching the evaluation and informing discussions concerning the novel’s significance and enduring legacy.
Incessantly Requested Questions Relating to American Psycho E-book Critiques
This part addresses widespread queries and misconceptions surrounding analyses of Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. The next questions intention to offer readability and perception into the crucial discourse surrounding this controversial novel.
Query 1: What are the first focal factors of “american psycho e book overview?”
Evaluations usually look at thematic interpretations, narrative fashion, character evaluation, social commentary, historic context, and authorial intent. These parts present a framework for understanding the novel’s complexities and assessing its literary benefit.
Query 2: How does the novel’s graphic violence affect “american psycho e book overview?”
The intense violence considerably influences crucial responses. Some reviewers deal with the violence as gratuitous, whereas others interpret it as a satirical machine or a mirrored image of societal desensitization. The depiction of violence can both overshadow or improve different thematic parts in these analyses.
Query 3: What’s the position of satire in deciphering American Psycho, in line with evaluations?
Many analyses discover the novel’s satirical parts, significantly its critique of shopper tradition, yuppie tradition, and societal values. These examinations assess how successfully Ellis makes use of satire to show the superficiality and ethical chapter of the characters and their world.
Query 4: How does the unreliable narration have an effect on interpretation, as highlighted in a “american psycho e book overview?”
The unreliable narration, delivered by Patrick Bateman’s perspective, creates ambiguity and challenges the reader to query the veracity of the occasions described. Evaluations typically focus on how this narrative approach contributes to the novel’s unsettling ambiance and its exploration of reality and notion.
Query 5: Why is historic context vital for understanding analyses of American Psycho?
Historic context gives a framework for understanding the novel’s social commentary and thematic intentions. Analyzing the novel throughout the context of the Reagan period, Wall Avenue tradition, and the AIDS disaster illuminates its critique of societal values and its reflection of the anxieties of the time.
Query 6: How is authorial intent assessed inside “american psycho e book overview?”
Authorial intent, although typically debated, is taken into account to offer context for deciphering the novel. Critiques typically infer the intent from the textual content itself and from any creator interviews, doubtlessly serving to to discover whether or not the textual content is supposed to be satire, a psychological exploration, or one thing else solely. Nevertheless, it isn’t the only real determinant of the textual content’s which means or worth.
In abstract, evaluations are formed by concerns of violence, satire, narration, societal context, and presumed intent. Numerous viewpoints are essential for totally appreciating the work’s complexities and its enduring affect on the literary panorama.
The next part transitions right into a dialogue in regards to the novel’s enduring legacy and affect on standard tradition.
Suggestions for Analyzing American Psycho E-book Critiques
Analyzing assessments of Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho requires a scientific method to discern the reviewers’ underlying arguments and biases. Understanding these nuances is essential for forming an knowledgeable opinion concerning the novel’s literary benefit and cultural significance.
Tip 1: Determine the Reviewer’s Stance on Violence: Be aware whether or not the reviewer focuses totally on the graphic content material or contextualizes it throughout the novel’s broader themes. A balanced analysis will acknowledge the violence whereas exploring its narrative objective.
Tip 2: Assess the Depth of Thematic Exploration: Decide if the evaluation delves past surface-level interpretations of consumerism and violence. Search for discussions of id, societal apathy, and the critique of energy constructions.
Tip 3: Consider the Character Evaluation: Observe how the reviewer interprets Patrick Bateman’s character. Does the evaluation think about his psychological state, his position as a satirical determine, or his illustration of societal anxieties?
Tip 4: Think about the Historic Context Supplied: Be aware whether or not the evaluation integrates an understanding of the late Twentieth century, together with the Reagan period, Wall Avenue tradition, and the AIDS disaster. An intensive overview will contextualize the novel inside its historic milieu.
Tip 5: Consider the Reviewer’s Argument for or Towards Literary Benefit: Assess the energy of the reviewer’s claims concerning the novel’s inventive worth. Search for discussions of narrative approach, stylistic decisions, and the effectiveness of its social commentary.
Tip 6: Evaluate A number of Critiques: Learn a wide range of analyses to realize a complete understanding of the novel’s reception. Evaluate differing interpretations and establish widespread themes or factors of rivalry.
Tip 7: Acknowledge the Potential for Bias: Remember that reviewers might method the novel with preconceived notions or private biases. Think about how these biases would possibly affect their interpretation and evaluation.
By systematically making use of the following tips, readers can critically consider literary evaluations and develop a extra nuanced understanding of Ellis’s controversial work and its place in modern literature.
The ultimate part summarizes the important thing parts of American Psycho analyses mentioned and their contribution to its understanding.
American Psycho E-book Overview
This exploration of American Psycho analyses has underscored the multifaceted nature of its crucial reception. From thematic interpretation and narrative fashion to character examination and social commentary, the weather scrutinized throughout the evaluations display the novel’s capability to impress various and infrequently conflicting responses. The affect of historic context and authorial intent, mixed with discussions of literary benefit, additional enrich the understanding of its enduring significance.
Partaking with these crucial views encourages a deeper appreciation of the novel’s complexities, its controversial themes, and its continued relevance in modern discourse. Continued examination will undoubtedly yield additional insights into this difficult and provocative work.
