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Secrecy In The Great Gatsby

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In the novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby, a man of high wealth in the 1920’s, is constantly questioned about his wealth and the means by which he attained it. Rumors are often spread regarding Gatsby and his wealth, however he never attempts to stop or correct them. This leads to the reader questioning if Gatsby is really telling the truth about his former life or if he is trying to hide something. Gatsby’s mysterious origins help to shape both his character and the relationships he has.
Gatsby’s origins are kept hidden from those who surround him and help shape the person who he has become. Gatsby claims that his “family all died and [he] came into a great deal of money” and they had lived in San Francisco (65). However, he was not, rather he was the son of poor farmers who were not able to contribute or help him with his …show more content…

Gatsby allows few people to truly know who he is and even few know his honest background. Gatsby not allowing many people to know who he really is affects the novel because it increases secrecy throughout. Nick did not even know who Gatsby was until he met him at a party. This element of secrecy affects the novel because the reader never truly knows what is real and what is a lie. Along with affecting the reader, the mystery behind Jay Gatsby intrigues other characters, like Tom, to unbury Gatsby’s past and understand the man himself. This leads to increased tensions between characters and drama, which in turn leads to the confrontation between Gatsby and Tom in the room in the city. Gatsby’s past also affects the novel because he does not know who he can trust. This is exhibited when Gatsby brought Nick to meet his friend Wolfsheim. When Wolfsheim brought up a business deal to Nick Gatsby quickly stepped in to make sure nothing was leaked to

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