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A few days ago, a student posted the question "How is euphemism used in The Great Gatsby?"  I'll tell you what, . . . ever since that day the darn question has absolutely plagued me.  I can't figure out the answer.  I find myself running through lists of characters, unable to find anything but hyperbole.  I find it funny that no one else has answered the question either.  I've been checking each day (mostly to learn the answer).  Ha!  Care to share your thoughts on the subject of euphemism in this novel?  Is anyone else obsessed with this?  Ha! 

I didn't respond to the question because I didn't have enough to offer. The only example of euphemism I could think of was the reference to Gatsby's "drug stores," which were covers for his bootlegging operations. Another thought that just occurred. Myrtle's sister Catherine referred to Tom as Myrtle's "sweetie." Euphemism, I suppose, for lover.

Neat!  Sounds like enough for you to be able to reply!  : )  Go for it!  : )  (By the way, . . . whew!  Thanks for sharing the answer that eluded me!)

I was stuck with that question too.  But after rethinking the novel, in generalized terms, couldn't the lives of the characters be euphemisms?  Gatsby is supposed to be rich and popular, yet he is in reality alone.  Daisy, a pretty innocent flower, has actually never been so innocent.  Tom and Myrtle's life together in the city is a fantasy of sorts - they act like a married couple that they will never be.  Maybe I'm thinking too deeply.  But the "greatness" of their lives is, in actuality, a large void they are each trying to fill.  All are pretending to be happy and wonderful, but it is just a big facade.