In the world of psychology, there is a class of mental illnesses collectively known as personality disorders, which are used to explain the unhealthy thoughts and behaviors of certain individuals (“Narcissism” 1). One of the many conditions in this category is known as narcissistic personality disorder or pathological narcissism. There is no set “list” of symptoms for narcissistic personality disorder, but it is often characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, an obsession with personal or lifestyle fantasies, and a constant need for attention from others. Other indicators include a strong sense of entitlement, unrealistic feelings of paranoia, and the inability to understand the feelings of others (“Narcissism” 1). Jay Gatsby, one of the main characters in the classic American novel, The Great Gatsby (1925), displays a textbook example of narcissistic personality disorder.
One quality of a narcissistic individual is an obsession with a number of grand and seemingly “unlimited” fantasies. Gatsby’s fantasy of ideal love that he experiences with his neighbor and not-so-secret lover, Daisy Buchanan, runs deep. Nick Carraway, the story’s narrator describes multiple instances in which Gatsby is “possessed” when he is with Daisy, suggesting that Gatsby is out of touch with reality (Fitzgerald 96). The intense passion that Gatsby feels for Daisy is not a true “love” for Daisy herself; rather, Gatsby is actually in love with the idea of Daisy so that she will play the female lead in his …show more content…
He craves attention from Daisy in particular, and one may argue that his display of wealth and luxury is all for her. This desire is revealed when Jordan explains Gatsby’s true intentions in buying a beautiful, flashy house directly across the bay from Daisy and Tom’s home (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby’s narcissistic personality explains his intense thirst for attention from others, especially
One quality of a narcissistic individual is an obsession with a number of grand and seemingly “unlimited” fantasies. Gatsby’s fantasy of ideal love that he experiences with his neighbor and not-so-secret lover, Daisy Buchanan, runs deep. Nick Carraway, the story’s narrator describes multiple instances in which Gatsby is “possessed” when he is with Daisy, suggesting that Gatsby is out of touch with reality (Fitzgerald 96). The intense passion that Gatsby feels for Daisy is not a true “love” for Daisy herself; rather, Gatsby is actually in love with the idea of Daisy so that she will play the female lead in his …show more content…
He craves attention from Daisy in particular, and one may argue that his display of wealth and luxury is all for her. This desire is revealed when Jordan explains Gatsby’s true intentions in buying a beautiful, flashy house directly across the bay from Daisy and Tom’s home (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby’s narcissistic personality explains his intense thirst for attention from others, especially