The presentation of delusional love in Sweet Bird of Youth Maria Oprea 11th Grade

The theme of delusional love and its consequences is explored throughout the play, being overtly introduced when Chance reveals to Princess his motive for returning to St. Cloud. In this essay I will touch on the complex concept of ‘love’ as it is presented through Heavenly’s character, Chance’s unrealistic views and goals, as well as his obsession with youth.

To begin with, Chance opens up about his relationship with Heavenly, recalling moments from her life before he left. She is presented as the love of his life, yet the audience is conflicted as he shows Princess a “nude” photo of her. There is a feeling of unease as Chance talks about how much he “desires” her, not being aware of the inappropriate and even illegal circumstances of taking and displaying a picture of a naked under-age girl. This emphasizes his confusion of desire and sexual attraction with love, as well as his immaturity. This is reinforced by him only mentioning the memories in which he and Heavenly were engaged in sexual relations, rather than other moments of their relationship which could convey their tender love and affection. His description of Heavenly in “the water… over her body like it desired her like I did…” is almost like a mirage, accentuating...