Although the name of the novel hints at its most likely interpretation, Martin Dressler is not a blatantly moralistic novel. That means that although its themes are easy to explore, the author doesn't actually come out and say his main point, but it's easy to see what he probably intended.
The most obvious feature of the narrative is that Dressler's insatiable thirst for success and a better life becomes his greatest weakness instead of a valuable strength. The Greek word for this type of trait is "hubris." Dressler's success in business does stem from his amazing work ethic and continual belief in himself, but there is also an unfortunate pride beneath that trait—his hunger for power.
The subtlety of the novel is one reason it won the Pulitzer in '97. Instead of allowing the reader to witness the tragic climax of the narrative arch, Millhauser chooses instead of just show the continual insatiability of Dressler. This seems to suggest that Millhauser's argument against the American Dream is not that it doesn't work or that he disagrees with the theory, but rather that when combined with an insatiable thirst for authority or accomplishment, the American Dream becomes nothing more than a tiring journey with no real destination.
