Content Warning: The source material contains references to sexual assault, racism, and torture. Additionally, the source material uses outdated, offensive terms for LGBTQIA people, Jewish people, and other groups of people; these terms are replicated in this guide only in direct quotes of the source material.

In his final speech, before he exits the novel’s stage for good, Charlie unpacks the nature of the American Dream for his audience. He defines the desire for wealth and status as an “endless quest.” The true goal of the American Dream is not simply being wealthy but appearing wealthier than others. Thus, the desire for wealth, status, and power is never-ending. Because the desire for status is insatiable and the definition of status is ever-evolving, the American Dream does not bring tranquility. All it brings is what Charlie calls “perturbation.” Charlie’s speech encapsulates the novel’s theme of the societal obsession with wealth, status, power, and appearance, suggesting that chasing these values does not necessarily bring happiness.

Illustrating Charlie’s comment on perturbation, characters are often shown to be rattled by social anxieties and the fear of losing wealth and social relevance. Charlie himself turns into a sweaty mess at the PlannersBanc office when loan officers demand he sell Turpmtine.