Trainspotting (novel) - Themes

Themes

The novel is basically a series of short stories. Each chapter focuses on a given event and does not necessarily contribute to Renton's eventual betrayal. For example, some chapters focus on Renton's sexual morality: in one chapter an old man masturbates onto him while he is sleeping, and in another he has sex with his dead brother's pregnant fiancée in the bathroom after his brother's funeral.

Welsh explores in depth the absence of a true Scottish national identity. Renton displays a great self-loathing of his country, which he views as a nation "colonised by wankers". Welsh suggests that the idealised image of "Scotland the Brave" is a false heritage, a sentimentalised vision of Scotland perpetuated by events such as the Edinburgh Festival. Welsh also attacks Unionism through Renton's description of his father's Protestant loyalist family. (this is portrayed in the movie after Renton tells Tommy "It's shite being Scottish!" and proceeds with his diatribe).

However, drug use, and abuse, is certainly the main issue dealt with. The novel explores what causes drug use and what sustains addiction in its many forms. Many chapters focus on Renton's continual attempts to kick the habit and their accompanying relapses, and explore the cynical mentality that leads Renton to use drugs. The novel ends rather ambiguously, with Renton betraying his friends and heading for Amsterdam with money they had all acquired from a drug deal.

The novel refers to bands that influenced Welsh's writing, including David Bowie, Joy Division, The Fall, the Pogues, Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, Frank Zappa, The Smiths, The Stooges and especially Iggy Pop, whom all the characters idolise. Sick Boy's nickname comes from the lyrics of the song "Death Trip" by The Stooges, and also from the character's amorality and sexual perversions.