From where he got the money?

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Sources of Gatsby’s Money

1. Bootstrap beginnings & working with Dan Cody — Before acquiring his fortune, Gatsby (born James Gatz) worked under Dan Cody, a copper tycoon, who educated him in the ways of high society. Gatsby inherits Cody’s lifestyle lessons, though not much financially due to Cody’s mistress overriding Gatsby’s inheritance claims.

2. Bootlegging & prohibition-era crime — Gatsby is strongly implied to be involved in the illegal business of selling alcohol during Prohibition. His association with Meyer Wolfsheim—a known gambler and underworld figure who fixed the 1919 World Series—underscores Gatsby’s criminal connections. Drugstores owned by Gatsby are rumored fronts for distributing alcohol.

3. “Certain business” dealings & shady operations — While Fitzgerald never fully spells out all the illicit details, many in the novel hint at Gatsby’s involvement in various dishonest ventures. This may include unlicensed sales, questionable investments, or securities fraud, though these remain ambiguous.

4. Legacy myths & facade — Part of Gatsby’s wealth story is built on lies to craft a desirable reputation. He fabricates parts of his personal history (such as claiming an Oxford education, and having affluent family) to impress Daisy and others. These stories are more smoke-and-mirrors than sources of wealth.

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Summary

Gatsby’s money appears to be primarily from illicit sources—especially bootlegging—and bolstered by shady, underground partnerships (notably with Wolfsheim). Legitimate wealth plays a smaller, more symbolic role in his story, mostly serving his desires and ambitions rather than reflecting his true origins. The mystery and ambiguity around his wealth reinforce the novel’s themes of illusion, identity, and the dream that money alone can remake the past.

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If you want, I can gather direct quotes from the text that hint at these sources to show how Fitzgerald plants these clues.