The Rumors of Gatsby

In the third chapter, Gatsby is introduced, along with some rumors about him following shortly after.  Some people believe that he is the nephew of the Kaiser Willhelm, some people think that he killed someone, that he studied at Oxford, etc.  Fitzgerald most likely introduced the rumors rather than the truth first as a tool to emphasize the mystique of Gatsby due to his bleak past.  If a candid history of Gatsby were to be revealed first, then his entire character would be exposed, leaving nothing to be desired to be known about him.  The first time that Nick, the main character and narrator of the story, he was surprised that Gatsby was in the same age range as him, as well as having served in the army.  Being utterly charmed by his smile, Nick devotes an entire monologue describing his gleaming grin, never mind him being intrigued by Gatsby's wealth and mystery.