Doctor Strangelove

The final parts of Bull's story seem to revolve around the assumption that all people in today's world lack clarity in their perception on their surroundings. Many of the characters in all of the works we have examined are not functioning at their greatest potential due to their use of substances like alcohol. In Bull's story this concept of reality being skewed by substance is accompanied by the idea that the every day person's decisions are skewed by those who are believed to hold "authority." Many of Bull's thoughts are filled with the assumption that Alan is looking out for Bull's best interest because Alan has authority. In fact, Alan even convinces himself that he had Bull's best interest in mind. This sense of authority over any and all situations is reaffirmed when Alan is at the Learning Jamboree and the narrator reveals that Alan, when not put in the leader position, will turn apathetic very quickly. Alan's control over his peers and patients adds to the question of his sanitlyness. These moments in Bull turn Alan into a character centered around actively manipulating everyone around him. He even tells the reader that his success lies within his very tight schedule. Every moment of his life is accounted for, creating the perfect alibi. Through these revelations, the reader is able to see the madness in Alan and his mastery of deception. Just like every other character in the story, and as Bull admits to the transexual prostitute, he is not what he seems. Will Self's use of Alan, the conscientious doctor, as the deceitful character makes room for the reader to question all the forms of authority in the story: If the doctor is a slimy pig out to get only what he wants, who else is using their subordinates as playthings? I think many of the authors we have studied this term would respond, "Everyone."