In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” Jay Gatsby amasses his wealth through a combination of questionable business dealings and associations. While the novel does not provide an exhaustive account of his financial ventures, several key points can be inferred:
1. Bootlegging: It is heavily implied that Gatsby made a significant portion of his fortune through illegal activities, particularly bootlegging during the Prohibition era. He is rumored to be involved in the underground distribution of alcohol.
2. Associations with Criminal Figures: Gatsby is connected with various shady characters, including Meyer Wolfsheim, who is rumored to be involved in organized crime. This association suggests that Gatsby’s wealth may come from illicit enterprises.
3. Real Estate Investments: Gatsby purchases a lavish mansion in West Egg, which indicates he may have invested in real estate as part of his wealth-building strategy.
4. Speculation and Investments: Although not explicitly detailed in the novel, it is possible that Gatsby engaged in other forms of speculation or legitimate business investments.
Overall, Gatsby’s wealth is shrouded in mystery and is indicative of the extravagant yet morally ambiguous world of the 1920s.
