Examples Of Delusions In The Great Gatsby

Bella Kraft

Ms. J

English 11

3 March 2023

True Love According to Verywell Health, erotomanic delusion is when you believe someone is in love with you, even if they aren’t. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is still in love with his former girlfriend, Daisy Buchanan, even though she is married to her husband Tom. Jay Gatsby has tried everything to win Daisy back, and they end up having an affair. Gatsby truly believes that Daisy will leave her husband for him, even though she says she wouldn’t. Because of this, Gatsby has an erotomanic delusion. Gatsby displays erotomanic delusion because he bought a house across the bay from Daisy just so he can be closer to her. In the article Verywell Health, it says, “These delusions can lead to stalking behaviors, which can be "in person" or virtually—such as through social media” (Verywell Health). Gatsby is delusional because in the beginning of the book, Nick Carroway, Gatsby’s neighbor and friend, noticed that Daisy lived across the bay from where he and Gatsby lived. Jordan Baker, Daisy’s best friend explains to him that it isn’t a coincidence that they are across the bay from each other, and they knew each other before.

Towards the end of the book, Daisy, Jordan, Tom, Nick, and Gatsby are in the city, when Gatsby breaks it to Tom about his and Daisy’s affair. Tom doesn’t believe him, but Daisy confirms it. Gatsby demanded Daisy to tell Tom about how she never loved him, and she hesitates and says, “I never loved him” (Fitzgerald 132). To him, this proves his delusions and everything he imagined was right. Daisy then goes on to say “‘Even alone I can’t say I never loved Tom’... ‘It wouldn’t be true’” (Fitzgerald 133). Gatsby is so wrapped up with the made-up scenario in his head, he honestly believes that Daisy never loved her own husband. His own mind is playing tricks on him, and it’s making him go