Answer:
The 'revelation' of Gatsby to Nick did not seem credible enough to make the readers change their opinion of him. They may be convinced, like Nick, when he produced the souvenirs and be accepted momentarily. But all that changed once again when we came to know the real motive of his revelation.
Explanation:
Jay Gatsby "came clean" to Nick about his past an his wealthy stature in Chapter 4 of the text The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In this chapter, he told his neighbor Nick Carraway how he "lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe—Paris, Venice, Rome—collecting jewels, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little". But considering the motive of the 'revelation', it sounds quite unbelievable. He projects an image of himself as someone who loves to be quiet, despite what others may say about him. But his real motive in revealing his background is to make sure that Nick did not think he is 'otherwise', which will ruin his plans of getting back with Daisy. To him, Nick is his way out, his medium to reconnect with Daisy Buchanan.
And like Nick felt about the revelation, we also feel that all is fake. But then, Gatsby produced the medal and picture, a souvenir of the old days. This proved, or seemed to prove that all that he had said were true but only momentarily. Considering the motive and timing of the revelation, it is a well timed 'revelation'. So, Gatsby's internal motive came in full view after the revelation about his past, which did nothing to clear his image. He still remains the talk of the town, with questions about his wealth, "the bizarre accusations that flavored conversation in his halls."
