Gatsby tells Nick lies about his past life. When they are riding together to New York, Gatsby says “something about my life”, he then proceeds to tell Nick about his very rich mix-western family background and “a family tradition” of his Oxford education. Gatsby also tells him how when his entire family died, he inherited lots of money which allowed him to travel all around Europe where he collected many jewels, painted, and tried to escape a sad memory. Nick was one of the very few people who was genuine in becoming friends with Gatsby, and Gatsby felt he needed Nicks approval. Gatsby also wants Nick to believe the wealthy background that Gatsby has invented about himself as a way of making it real.
