The bond business in The Great Gatsby refers to the financial sector that Jay Gatsby is involved in, where he buys and sells bonds, which are essentially debt securities. This profession is pivotal in understanding Gatsby’s rise to wealth and his enigmatic character.
During the 1920s, the bond business was emblematic of the rapid economic growth and speculation that characterized the era. Gatsby’s involvement indicates that he is not just a self-made man but also partaking in the financial boom that defined the time. By positioning himself within this lucrative field, Gatsby could accumulate the wealth necessary to pursue his dreams, particularly his obsession with Daisy Buchanan.
The details of Gatsby’s business dealings are somewhat shrouded in mystery, which reflects the larger themes of illusion and reality in the novel. He is depicted as a figure who transcends traditional means of earning wealth, suggesting that his success is as much about his ambition and romantic idealism as it is about legitimate business practices.
Ultimately, the bond business captures the allure and the moral ambiguity of wealth accumulation during the Jazz Age, illustrating how financial success can be part of the American Dream, while also hinting at its darker undercurrents.