Jay Gatsby: A Confused Man Jay Gatsby was a wealthy businessman who lived in the east side of New York City, a well-established section of the city often referred to as the East Egg. He was the owner of an extensive stone mansion where he held many parties for dignitaries and other established persons throughout the New York City area. At the time when the novel took place,the 1920's, America's economy was booming. Cars were becoming a common way of transportation and women were becoming more independent in the face of society. Many of these women were referrec to as flappers, mainly because of their rather short skirts and decorative outfits. Gatsby was a