Final answer:
Meyer Wolfsheim in 'The Great Gatsby' is used by F. Scott Fitzgerald to critique the morally ambiguous and enigmatic nature of the wealthy during the 1920s, indicating that the opulence of the era often had questionable origins; hence, the correct answer is A) Rich people in the 1920s were somewhat enigmatic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Through the character Meyer Wolfsheim in The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald is commenting on the nature of wealth and the moral ambiguity present among the rich during the 1920s. Wolfsheim, a wealthy associate of Gatsby's, is portrayed as somewhat enigmatic and deeply involved in organized crime, suggesting that not all wealthy individuals achieve their status through reputable means. This character illustrates the complex social dynamics and questionable ethics that were part of the American upper class during the Jazz Age. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is A) Rich people in the 1920s were somewhat enigmatic.
Fitzgerald's works frequently explored the lives of the affluent with a critical eye, revealing the disillusionment and moral compromises that often accompanied their luxurious lifestyles. In The Great Gatsby, he depicts a world where the pursuit of wealth could lead to corruption, as shown by Gatsby's mysterious past and dubious connections, exemplified by Wolfsheim. This portrayal aligns with Fitzgerald's personal experiences and reflections on the era, as revealed in his essay "The Crack-Up" where he describes his own life and the broader 1920s as a time of personal and societal difficulty, despite the outward appearance of glamour and success.