The Man Above Consumerism

Because Roger O. Thornhill is able to see through all products, he himself is not a consumer but rather a man above the consumer. Roger constantly relies on “exterior trappings of modern civilization- business offices, cocktail bars, machines…”[5] but only for personal image—he has no other need for these products. Although Roger's fashion sense may seem to demonstrate a model of human consumtion, it moreso represents his connection to the products he sells which are often just a fabricated outter image. Roger’s funds, when he has them, seem to be reserved solely for gratuities and payoffs, such as the ones made to the bellboy and taxi drivers.