The past is very important throughout the story.  The past explains who we are and where we come from and what has shaped us into what we are.  Gatsby ignores his very early past, such as his family and social status when he was young, but wants to recreate other parts of his past.  He wants to be with Daisy the same way, but just have his past, his life, and who he was, be different because he felt he was not good enough for Daisy.

Another important past is Daisy's.  Her big problem is trying to figure out who she loved more, Tom or Gatsby, and who she loves now.

Angela Pfammatter