In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” Jay Gatsby makes his money through various means, primarily involving illegal activities. Although the novel does not provide explicit details about all his business dealings, it strongly implies that he is involved in bootlegging—illegally selling alcohol during the Prohibition era in the United States.
Additionally, Gatsby is rumored to have connections with organized crime and may also be involved in gambling. His wealth serves as a backdrop to his extravagant lifestyle and his pursuit of social status, particularly in his desire to win back Daisy Buchanan. Ultimately, Gatsby’s financial success is tied to the illicit activities that characterize the era, reflecting themes of ambition, morality, and the American Dream within the narrative.
