What is weird about Nick's drive into New York with Gatsby?

To answer this question, take a look at chapter 4. During their drive to New York, Gatsby says some weird things and acts in a strange way.

First, without any prompting, Gatsby says he wants to tell Nick his family history because he doesn't want Nick to have the wrong idea about him. For Nick, this is a sign that Gatsby is aware of the "bizarre accusations" that people have leveled against him.

Secondly, when...

To answer this question, take a look at chapter 4. During their drive to New York, Gatsby says some weird things and acts in a strange way.

First, without any prompting, Gatsby says he wants to tell Nick his family history because he doesn't want Nick to have the wrong idea about him. For Nick, this is a sign that Gatsby is aware of the "bizarre accusations" that people have leveled against him.

Secondly, when Gatsby says that he was "educated at Oxford," Nick notes that he says the words in a very strange manner, as though he has "swallowed" or "choked" on them.

Thirdly, when Gatsby describes how he lived as a "young rajah" in Europe, Nick almost bursts into laughter because Gatsby's description is "threadbare." In other words, it lacks any sense of authenticity, as though he is describing something that never actually happened.

Finally, Gatsby also shows Nick some souvenirs from his past. There is a medal from the war and a photograph from Oxford. It is weird that Gatsby would show these to Nick because it suggests that Gatsby is desperate to prove that his stories of the past are authentic and genuine.