Connection 1

The secrecy and mystery surrounding Gatsby's character are compared to the hidden world of bootlegging and speakeasies. Nick becomes curious about Gatsby's identity and confronts him about it. The use of the word "must" by Fitzgerald emphasizes Gatsby's importance. Nick rejects Gatsby's business offer because he realizes Gatsby's money comes from illegal activities. This rejection reflects Nick's strong values and shows the similarity between their relationship and civilians in speakeasies. The speaker relates their own experience with speakeasies to Nick's understanding of Gatsby. They knew about Gatsby's ventures but learned how to navigate their relationship over time. The secrecy that comes with bootlegging and speakeasies seem awfully similar to Gatsby's persona. Yeah, at the beginning of the book, in a conversation between Nick and Daisy, Nick continues to ask Daisy, you must know Gatsby. For which Daisy demands, Gatsby? What Gatsby? The conversation between Daisy and Nick exemplifies Gatsby's mysterious nature. This is also expressed when Nick utters, I don't like mysteries, and I don't understand why you won't come out frankly and tell me what you want. Yeah, so Nick seemingly gets to a point where he has had enough of not knowing who Gatsby really is and he finally confronts him about it. Yeah, for sure. Going back to the first quote, though, I noticed the use of the word must by Fitzgerald. That could possibly emphasize the importance and status of Gatsby. However, when Daisy questions who Gatsby is, it is almost shocking, and if not surprising to Nick. I feel like this builds the suspense and mystery tied to Gatsby before he's even introduced. And tying back, this characterization of Gatsby is very similar to the way speakeasies are described and depicted in the novel. Yeah, 100%. Both are tied to mystery and secrecy. Another idea I have regarding Gatsby's secretive vibe is when Nick starts to catch on during a conversation when he is offered to join one of Gatsby's business ventures. When looking back on the conversation, Nick confesses that under different circumstances, that conversation might have been one of the crises of my life, but because the offer was obviously and tactlessly for service be rendered, I had no choice except to cut him off there. Nick completely rejects Gatsby's offer to join him in some business solely because Nick has a realization that Gatsby unjustly makes his money. Nick's usage of the phrase crises of his life shows that Nick knew accepting this offer would completely contradict every value he represents and how extreme his feelings are about Gatsby's sly personality. The service Nick is referring to could be inferred that Gatsby is a bootlegger and wants to invite Nick to join the business, but Nick knows that behind closed doors Gatsby is unhonorable as he quickly denies him. It's almost like this relationship between Nick and Gatsby is like a civilian in a speakeasy. Nick knows what is going on behind closed doors just as civilians during the 1920s knew that drinks were being secretly sold in speakeasies. Mr. O2card, do you have any input on the subject? One thing I'll add is that we, as youngsters, we knew where they were. It wasn't until a little later on that I patronized any of them, but I actually frequently did. I have been in speakeasies on a number of occasions. As time went on, you got to know who was in the business and where you might be able to buy something to drink, and this started at a rather young age. The way you described your experience connects to Gatsby and Nick's relationship. Nick knew about Gatsby and his mysterious ventures, but it was not until later on that he knew how to navigate Gatsby, how much attention to give, and what to believe. Nick always thought before taking any actions with him. And now, after that great point, we will take a break to hear a quick word from our sponsor. This episode is sponsored by CPT Party Planning, bringing your party desires to life. They are truly the best in the game. You can call 203-PARTY for your consultation today. And don't forget, use code GATSBY at checkout for 20% off your next purchase. Let's get back to it, Jack, shall we?