"Drifted" shows they moved about, forever seeking something. The idea that Daisy has never had to "plan" for anything, hints that she has no ideas about her future. Thus, she has no dreams to work for. The contrast between Gatsby and the Buchanans shows that dreams and ambitions create power and vitality, implying that the American Dream produces a sense of purpose and progress. .
While Jay's dreams give him vitality, Willy on the contrary, is exhausted struggling to accomplish his dream. In the beginning of the play, Linda almost nurses him the stage directions show her," taking off his shoes, and jacket," Willy has no vigour, and cannot execute these diminutive tasks on his own. He is not only tired, but in despair. He has reached a point where he feels suicide is the best course of action, and nothing can alter his judgement. "It's twenty thousand dollars on the barrelhead. Guaranteed, gilt-edged, you understand?" Willy is using language that suggests that his suicide would be a business deal, and would allow Biff and Happy to use the life insurance to attain the Dream for themselves. .
Daisy's lack of energy is comparable with Biff's aimlessness, as he cannot cope with Willy's pressure for him to achieve success. "I don't know what the future is. I don't know- what I"m supposed to want." Biff not knowing the significance of his existence, confirms to us that his life has been dominated by Willy's insistence of succeeding in society, hence, not been able to figure out what he should do with his life. .
Opportunity is a burden to Biff, making him feel a failure. Both Willy and his son's sense of disappointment indicate that the American Dream is able to wholly dominate one's life and there are often disastrous consequences. This shows that while the Dream can offer purpose, failure to achieve it can cause dangerously crushing disappointment. .
Both Miller and Fitzgerald emphasise materialism as an increasingly important part of the Dream, with many people inspiring to be wealthy, owning hoards of possessions.