Examples Of Psychology In The Great Gatsby

Psychology in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby shows that not everyone’s life is so perfect, even rich people. Psychological lens- analyzing why the characters are acting and thinking the way that they are. The Great Gatsby viewed through a psychological lens analyzes why people made certain decisions and how that affected other people. When the psychological lens is applied to The Great Gatsby, it’s clear that people will act in their own self-interest over others. Throughout this book, there are a lot of complicated relationships, especially ones involving Tom Buchanan. “Why—” she said hesitantly, “Tom’s got some woman in New York” (Fitzgerald 15). Even though Tom is married to Daisy and has a child with her, he’s pretty much been cheating

“I had been actually invited. A chauffeur in a uniform of robin’s-egg blue crossed my lawn early that Saturday mourning with a surprisingly formal note from his employer….” (Fitzgerald 41). Gatsby really wants to be Nick's friend and get closer to him. He personally to one of his parties even though no one who comes is ever formally invited. Later in the book though, Nick finds out Gatsby used him in a way, to get close to Daisy because he still loved her. Gatsby found out that Nick was related to Daisy and took it upon himself to get as close to Daisy as he could. Gatsby knew Daisy lived across the bay so he specifically bought a house across from her to feel closer to her. People usually have ulterior motives, even if they might not say

Wilson after his wife is killed. “I’m one of these trusting fellas and I don’t think any harm to nobody, but when I get to know a thing I know it. It was the man in that car. She ran out to speak with him and he wouldn’t stop” (Fitzgerald 158). Mr. Wilson feels like he needs to get back at whoever killed his wife even though he isn’t 100% sure who it was. He lets his rage consume him and doesn’t think about how his actions will affect others. He thinks that he’s the one who needs to step up and do something because no one else is doing enough according to him. He’s trying to find closure and cope with his very sudden loss but ends up letting everything out in a bad way. People, like Mr. Wilson, who was generally calm, can let their selfishness get the best of them. That can create some pretty bad