The problem, as Twitter observers were quick to note, is that Jay Gatsby is a fraud—a man who has managed to insinuate himself into the wealthy, patrician circles of Long Island through his knack for dazzling and flattery.

Bustle leapt to the defense of the royals’ reading choice, saying that during the ceremony, reverend Andrew Connor revealed that “Eugenie had specifically selected the passage because it reminded her of her fiancé and his warm smile.” And yet it’s still fair to suspect that Eugenie hasn’t given Gatsby a close reading lately. Gatsby’s grin smacks of charisma, sure. But the warm feeling Carraway gets is simply a testament to Gatsby’s ability to manipulate others. Gatsby is popular because he follows the No. 1 rule of grifters: If you hold up the world’s most flattering mirror to the people you meet, no one is going to look at you too closely.

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.