Final answer:
Fitzgerald may have used Wolfshiem's letter on page 166 in The Great Gatsby to create suspense about funeral attendance, underscore the connection between Wolfshiem and Gatsby, add to Wolfshiem's mystery, and build sympathy for Gatsby, illustrating the transient nature of wealth and relationships in the 1920s.
Step-by-step explanation:
On page 166 of The Great Gatsby, the letter from Meyer Wolfshiem likely has multiple effects that F. Scott Fitzgerald may have intended. One potential effect is to create suspense about whether Wolfshiem will attend Gatsby's funeral, reflecting the lack of loyalty and superficiality of relationships within the novel's social milieu. Another effect might be to emphasize the connection between Wolfshiem and Gatsby, further delving into Gatsby's mysterious past and the questionable origins of his wealth. Additionally, the letter could contribute to the mystery of Wolfshiem's identity, keeping readers intrigued by the elusive and possibly dangerous character. However, considering Fitzgerald's themes across his works, it can be argued that ultimately, the letter aids in building sympathy for Gatsby, highlighting the posthumous abandonment by his so-called friends and business associates, thereby illustrating the transient and hollow nature of the wealth and relationships in the 1920s.