Bright Lights, Big City

1154 Words5 Pages
What is Bolivian Marching Powder, why did people take so many drugs in New York City in the 80’s, are drugs common in the city and what are the main character’s reasons for taking drugs? (This question is related to the main question because the reason why the main character takes drugs is to boost his self-esteem and maintain his ego. This behaviour is necessary and a typical for the selfish years and the 80’s) One of main themes in ‘Bright Lights, Big City’ is drugs. The story is about an upper-class drug abuser. As the story proceeds, the protagonist’s drug use increases as well. At the beginning of the novel, the main character is "high" on cocaine and hidden in the shadows of a dimly lit nightclub. The reader’s first confrontation with drug abuse in this book is on the first page, which sends out a loud and clear message that the book will have a lot to with this subject. “All might come clear if you could just slip into the bathroom and do a little more Bolivian Marching Powder. Then again, it might not. A small voice inside you insists that this epidemic lack of clarity is a result of too much of that already.”1 Bolivian marching powder is a reference to cocaine. The coca plant was originally found in South America, where natives chewed on the raw leaves, producing mild effects, similar to those of a strong coffee. Traditionally the coca plant was used for medical purposes or for energy, anesthetics, and to help blood clotting. It was believed to help health issues such as asthma, ulcers, malaria and indigestion, as well as an aphrodisiac and to improve longevity. The consumption of the coca leaves is a matter of survival for many. Coca is primarily grown in the Andes, where it is difficult to grow nutritious plants and where the extra energy boost and pain relieving qualities came in handy due to the high altitudes.2 “Your brain at this

More about Bright Lights, Big City

Open Document