Examples Of Obsession In The Great Gatsby

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Gatsby’s love for Daisy could be considered an “obsession.” If Gatsby truly cared for Daisy, he would love her for who she really is and not for what she represents. Gatsby’s love for Daisy is undeniable but is it really for the right reasons? Gatsby goes way out of his way to become the person that Daisy would actually want to be with. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald suggests that Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are in love, when in reality Gatsby has a crazy, obsessive love for her. Fitzgerald exhibits themes of love and obsession through the characteristics of Daisy and Gatsby.
Gatsby wanted to become rich so that he would have a chance to win Daisy over. Gatsby talks to Tom and says “she never loved you [Tom], do you hear?” [Gatsby] …show more content…

He wants to be near her to make sure she’s okay. “It was a strange coincidence...but it wasn't a coincidence at all...Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay…[he wants] to see her right next door” (78-79). Gatsby is so obsessed with her he wants to be with her constantly and know her every move. Gatsby’s “read a Chicago paper for years just on the chance of catching a glimpse of Daisy’s name” (79). Gatsby’s obsession for Daisy has gotten way out of hand. In fact it’s gotten to the point where, he’s pretty much stalking her every move. He’s not only obsessed with her but also the idea of what she represents. Gatsby does so many obnoxious things such as hosting a bunch of grand parties at his house, “he half expected [Daisy] to wander into one of his parties” (79). Gatsby is known for throwing these huge extravagant parties to showcase his wealth. But in reality the only reason he is doing these parties is because he’s hoping that maybe Daisy would walk through his doors and confess her love towards him. Gatsby is a hopeless romantic because he’s constantly picturing this idealistic relationship with Daisy.
Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald implies that at one point maybe Daisy and Gatsby were together, in the end Gatsby’s wealth and status get in the way of him and Daisy being together. Gatsby’s not truly in love with Daisy but more of what she represents in her wealth and status.

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