GATSBY The novel is basically a chronicle of Gatsby's desire to be with Daisy. James Gatz, his legal name, was changed to Jay Gatsby at the age of seventeen. He participated in the First World War. There he became a Major and received a decoration from every allied government. Gatsby achieves great wealth after the war, both legally and illegally, and enjoys throwing huge parties in hopes that Daisy will show up. Unfortunately, the pursuit of his dreams leads to his death.