Delusion In Passing And The Great Gatsby By Nella Larsen

Tragic Outcomes of Delusion

Oxford dictionary defines delusion as an idiosyncratic belief or impression maintained despite being contradicted by reality or rational argument (Oxford Dictionary). While it is easier for someone to cope with change and loss by denying reality, it results in negative and dangerous outcomes that can be avoided with a simple reality check; a concept explored in novels Passing and The Great Gatsby. Passing was written in 1929, by Nella Larsen, describing life in the United States during the 1920s. Larsen accurately portrays social climate during the Harlem Renaissance through characters Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, both of ethnic backgrounds who could pass for white. Clare uses her skin tone to leave her family

Gatsby says “just tell him the truth - that you never loved him - and it’s all wiped out forever” (Fitzgerald 132), Daisy tries to lie and say that she never loved Tom, but deep down, she once had feelings for him, and Gatsby is not willing to accept the fact that she does not have any feelings for Tom now, for him, it is only enough if she never had feelings for him, even when Gatsby was out of the picture. Eventually, Daisy breaks down and cries “oh, you want too much, I can’t help what’s past. I love you now - isn’t that enough” (Fitzgerald 133). Old money defines Tom, making him a symbol of elegance and luxury, whereas Gatsby comes from new money, associating him with illegal activity and rum running, a reputation that is evidently not adequate for Daisy: “she was appalled by West Egg [...] appalled by its raw vigour that chafed under the old euphemism” (Fitzgerald 108), yet, Gatsby tricks himself into believing that he is worthy of Daisy and he expects that she will leave Tom and her lavish, upscale life behind. Likewise to Gatsby’s desire to ascend the social ladder, Clare Kendry wants to pass for white and pursue a luxurious life with John Bellew, but also wishes to keep in touch with Irene and her race without his knowledge, a desire that impractical and unreasonable. Initially, Clare leaves her entire family and heritage behind in order to pass and lead a classy, elegant life. Her desire to marry a rich white man was fulfilled, but conflictingly, she now longs for her own people. The blame for her dissatisfaction is put on Mr. Bellew: “damn Jack! He keeps me out of everything. Everything I want. I could kill him!” (Larsen 56). As Irene states “the trouble with Clare was, not only that