They Met at a Very Strange Time in His Life

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They Met At a Very Strange Time in His Life “I want Tyler. Tyler wants Marla. Marla wants me.” (Palahniuk 14) However, the reader of Fight Club quickly learns that “I” and “Tyler” are the same person, named Jack. The only reason Tyler is around is because Jack is lacking any sort of self-esteem or identity in his life. The creation of Tyler in Jack’s mind is because of his feelings of inadequacy about himself, which leave him believing that an alter-ego is the only way to be with Marla, whom he meets at one of the many support groups he attends. This is exhibited in the film through multiple scenes that were not in the book, and were strategically placed in the film that all relate to Jack’s pursuit of Marla Singer. Their meeting and overall connection is meant to be, as they are attending the support groups in search of an authentic experience. ““When people think you’re dying they really listen instead of waiting for their turn to speak” (Fincher). Which is what initiates their meeting. After realizing that Marla is another “faker” attending the support groups to fill a void in her life just like he is, she and Jack share a moment that sparks his pursuit of her. In the novel, Jack and Marla divide up the groups they will go to when they are in the prayer circle at Remaining Men Together. However, in the film, after their initial meeting, and Marla storming out on it, Jack chases after her through the streets. Through these streets, Marla is cutting through traffic, something the uptight consumerist-driven Jack would never do. Part of him admires this, and wants it. The chase continues until they divide up the group therapies each one will attend, and once this is done Marla leaves once again, and Jack follows to ask for her number. He is constantly chasing her right now because she seems like the complete opposite of him, and since he hates himself, this is
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