One major difference to explore between The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman is what the American dream represents to each of the main characters.

To Jay Gatsby, the American dream is to leave his past behind and become one of the wealthy elite. It's a dream filled with glamour and prestige. He works hard to achieve it and has to leave the person he was before behind.

To Willy Loman, the American dream is to be able to pay his bills and stop traveling. He wants to be able to support his family. But despite working his entire life, he still doesn't have enough to achieve his goals.

Each man's concept of the American dream is a major motivator for the actions he takes. Gatsby's attempts to marry Daisy are one way he has of proving to himself that he's truly made it. Willy's ultimate decision to kill himself is meant to provide a better life for his son; in a way, it's another shot at the American dream he had for his family.

Both Gatsby and Loman's dreams involve money; they both want to do better than the people who came before them. Willy is rejected by his boss for failing to sell enough, while Jay is rejected and vilified by the woman who represented the elite position he craved.