In the novel Gatsby's past affects his present because Daisy wanted to marry someone with money. This made Gatsby change his life, it made him want to be from a wealthy family so he changed his name when he met Dan Cody. He taught him how to dress, how to talk and how to do business. He was doing all of this for Daisy because he is in love with her. Now that Gatsby and Daisy meet again at Nick's house, Gatsby is trying to show off how he is rich now and can keep Daisy happy with all his money just like Daisy wanted to live. He became ambitious like Dan Cody. He also got the feeling that Daisy was going to get back with him so he got her and Gatsby that it made her not tell him anything and decide to stay with Tom no matter what Gatsby said
