The Great Gatsby

  "The Great Gatsby," in itself is a mysterious and interesting story. In fact, the man the book is named for is as mysterious and interesting as the story. Jay Gatsby is known for being an eccentric millionaire whose source of fortune is unknown. He also holds several parties at his unprecedentedly large mansion and basically splurges on every occasion. Many characters in the book, especially our esteemed narrator Nick Caraway. I believe that Jay Gatsby is seen as a very mysterious person because of all the rumors spread around him haven't been cleared by himself, he seems to have many secrets, and has a very clouded past.
  Rumors that surround Gatsby include that he was an alcohol bootlegger, that he killed a man, he was an Oxford graduate who came from a wealthy family, etc. Such accusations are highly controversial for anyone. It's even worse if you're acquainted with several powerful, rich people who are large blabbermouths. Also, being involved with such people could have attracted several individuals who do not like Gatsby, and make up stories to take away his king-of-the-hill status. What's more is that Gatsby has never really come out to defend himself or take a stand against such rumors. This is most likely due to his devotion to secrecy. How do I know he's very secretive? Well, for one he lives in a large mansion on his on in Long Island, NY. Yes, he has friends but they're not very involved in his personal life. He also has no wife, kids, girlfriend, etc. Also, his dialogue serves to show how he can easily avoid confrontation of his personal life. Which now leads me to the reluctance to reveal much if anything about his past. So far, he has only revealed and confirmed he had a very wealthy family and that he went to Oxford prior to his run in World War 1 as a Lieutenant. What's more is that he used to be courted and in love with the wife of Tom Buchanan, a hot headed millionaire who uses violence to get his way.