Dan Cody was Gatsby’s mentor, who educated him on the world of business and finance. The young man changed his name because of Cody and was able to start his journey toward a prosperous life. Cody gave Gatsby education and financial support, which helped him achieve his aspirations.
Detailed answer:
Gatsby’s relationship with Cody was crucial for the young man’s future life. Gatsby met Dan Cody by accident, as he saved the millionaire’s yacht. From this moment on, Cody became Gatsby’s mentor and role model, who gave the young man a job and took him on travel. During his time with Cody, Gatsby learned much about life, finance, and business. Therefore, he believed he owed his ability to approach Daisy from the upper class to Cody. Gatsby even kept the older man’s portrait in his house.
Another essential aspect of Gatsby’s life, influenced by Cody, was the young man’s decision to change his real name. At the age of seventeen, Gatsby realized what he wanted his life to be like and started to work hard for his goal. In this regard, Cody was his role model as he made his fortune himself in mining. Cody supported the young Gatsby financially and left him a fortune, which Gatsby did not get after all.
To sum up, Dan Cody was an important figure in Gatsby’s life. He changed the young man’s perception of money and business and helped him work his way up to a fortune. He mentored the young Gatsby and taught him how to operate finance and do business. Overall, Gatsby’s encounter with Cody changed his life greatly. That event helped him gain access to higher social class privileges.