A lot of the characters throughout this novel have certain goals or aspirations that they believe WILL happen or are true to them, but unfortunately, that's never the case.

The prime example of disillusionment comes from the marriage of the Patch's. When they had just gotten married, they were convinced that there will be nothing but happiness and love between them, but as their marriage unfolded  they slowly begin to resent each other and realize that they could never be the marriage they hoped to be. 

They also strongly believe that they can get by in society with a lack of responsibility, but as their financial situation crashes upon them, they realize just how "too late" it is for them to jump into aristocracy and get what they want. Especially for Anthony, who believed that being Adam Patch's grandson entitled him stability for the rest of his life. This belief will ultimately fail when his grandfather's will did not mention Anthony's name.

Another case of disillusionment can be found in Dot's love for Anthony. She was convinced that Anthony was the one for her, and if she couldn't have him she was better off dead. She also pondered on this idea that Anthony will leave Gloria and run off with Dot, but this never happens. Their love essentially came about because Anthony felt bored and lonely, but he always knew that their love was never going to be of anything.