An American Tragedy | Theodore Dreiser
“An American Tragedy” is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser, first published in 1925. The story is a powerful exploration of ambition, social class, and the American Dream. It follows the life of Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poverty-stricken family who aspires to climb the social ladder.
The novel is divided into three main parts:
Clyde’s early life in Kansas City, where he works various low-paying jobs and dreams of a better life.
His move to Chicago, where he gets involved with a wealthy family and becomes enamored with their luxurious lifestyle. He eventually becomes entangled in a romantic relationship with a young woman named Roberta Alden, who becomes pregnant.
The final part of the novel takes place in a courtroom, where Clyde stands trial for the murder of Roberta, a crime he commits to escape the responsibility of the pregnancy and maintain his social standing.
Throughout the novel, Dreiser delves into the psychological and moral struggles of Clyde Griffiths as he faces the consequences of his choices and the clash between his desires and the societal norms of the time. “An American Tragedy” is a compelling critique of the American pursuit of success and the moral dilemmas that can arise from it, making it a classic work of American literature.
Quotes
“Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.”
“The city, for the first time in his memory, had become truly a city—a place of wonder, a giant, living, motioning fact. It overwhelmed him as never before.”
“One can stand just so much of something and then one must get away.”
“He saw that the world was a great dust bowl of change and chance and suffering and sporadic good fortune, into which one was born as though by accident, and from which one departed as by death, as accidentally.”
“Life, as he had long decided, was a complicated thing. All the chemistry of it could not be contained in one simple symbol.”
“The world is like a grand staircase, some are going up and some are going down.”
“The saddest sight in this world is to see a boy of sixteen or seventeen, when he is not alive to the opportunity to gain knowledge when he is young.”
“Was it not the quintessence of life to be so thrilled, to become so purely conscious of glory and beauty, that one transcended all personal hungers, cares, and interests?”
Themes
Ambition and Social Ascent: The novel delves into the American Dream and the relentless pursuit of success, social status, and material wealth. Clyde Griffiths, the protagonist, is driven by his ambition to escape poverty and climb the social ladder, which ultimately leads him to make morally questionable decisions.
Morality and Consequences: The story raises questions about ethical choices and their consequences. Clyde’s actions and decisions throughout the novel have profound moral implications, and he must grapple with the repercussions of his choices.
Class and Social Inequality: Dreiser highlights the stark divisions between social classes in early 20th-century America. Clyde’s journey from poverty to affluence brings to the forefront the challenges and barriers faced by individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Love and Relationships: The novel explores the complexities of romantic relationships, including the contrast between genuine love and self-interest. Clyde’s relationships with Roberta and Sondra exemplify the challenges of navigating love, desire, and societal expectations.
Fate and Determinism: “An American Tragedy” examines the role of fate and determinism in shaping one’s life. Clyde often feels trapped by circumstances and external forces, leading him to question the extent of his control over his destiny.
Isolation and Alienation: Throughout the narrative, Clyde experiences feelings of isolation and alienation, particularly as he faces the consequences of his actions. He struggles to connect with others and finds himself increasingly isolated from society.
Justice and the Legal System: The novel’s climax centers around Clyde’s trial for murder. It highlights the imperfections and biases within the legal system and raises questions about the pursuit of justice.
Religion and Spirituality: Religious and spiritual themes are present, as characters grapple with their beliefs and the moral dilemmas they face. Clyde’s interactions with religious figures and his own spiritual journey are central to the story.
These themes collectively contribute to the novel’s exploration of the complexities of human nature and society in early 20th-century America, making “An American Tragedy” a thought-provoking and enduring work of literature.
Criticisms
“An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser has received both praise and criticism since its publication. Here are some common criticisms of the book:
Slow Pace: Some readers and critics find the novel to be slow-paced, with extensive descriptions and detailed character development that can be perceived as overly long and detailed.
Repetitive Phrasing: Dreiser’s writing style includes repeated phrases and descriptions, which some readers may find monotonous or redundant.
Moral Overtones: The novel has been criticized for its heavy-handed moralizing, with characters often serving as symbols of virtue or vice rather than fully developed individuals. Some readers find the moralistic tone to be preachy.
Lack of Sympathy for Characters: Clyde Griffiths, the protagonist, is not always a sympathetic character, and some readers may struggle to connect with or care about his fate, given his morally questionable actions.
Lengthy Courtroom Scenes: The courtroom scenes in the latter part of the novel are extensive and detailed, which can be seen as a departure from the rest of the narrative and may not engage all readers equally.
Pessimistic Tone: The novel has been criticized for its overall pessimistic tone, which can be emotionally taxing for some readers.
Racism and Sexism: “An American Tragedy” reflects the racial and gender attitudes of its time, and some readers find elements of racism and sexism in the narrative to be offensive or dated.
It’s important to note that while these criticisms exist, the novel also has its share of admirers who appreciate its social commentary, character development, and exploration of moral dilemmas. “An American Tragedy” remains a significant work of American literature, and opinions about it may vary widely among readers.
Discussion Points
“An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser is a complex and controversial novel that has sparked various debates and discussions among scholars, critics, and readers. Some key points of debate include:
Morality and Sympathy for the Protagonist: One central debate revolves around whether readers can sympathize with or condemn Clyde Griffiths, the protagonist, given his morally questionable actions. Some argue that Clyde is a victim of circumstances, while others see him as a cold-hearted murderer.
Social Commentary: The novel offers a scathing critique of social class, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Scholars debate the extent to which Dreiser’s portrayal of society reflects the realities of the early 20th century and whether his criticisms are still relevant today.
Feminist Interpretations: The female characters in the novel, particularly Roberta and Sondra, have been the subject of feminist analysis. Some argue that these characters are portrayed simplistically or negatively, while others suggest that they represent the limited options available to women in that era.
Naturalism vs. Realism: “An American Tragedy” is often categorized as a naturalistic novel due to its portrayal of characters as products of their environment and circumstances. The debate centers on whether the novel adheres more closely to naturalism or realism in its depiction of human behavior.
Literary Style: Critics and scholars discuss Dreiser’s writing style, including his use of repetition and detailed descriptions. Some appreciate his realism and attention to detail, while others find it cumbersome and overly verbose.
Racial and Gender Stereotypes: The novel reflects the racial and gender attitudes of its time, which has sparked discussions about the portrayal of minority characters and the roles of women in the story. Some argue that these elements should be viewed in the context of the era, while others find them problematic.
Influence and Legacy: “An American Tragedy” has had a lasting impact on American literature and culture. Debates focus on its influence on subsequent works of fiction and whether it remains relevant in contemporary discussions of class, ambition, and justice.
These debates highlight the rich and multifaceted nature of Dreiser’s novel, making it a subject of ongoing literary analysis and interpretation. Readers and scholars continue to engage with “An American Tragedy” to explore its themes, characters, and social commentary from different perspectives.
Legacy
“An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser has had a significant and enduring legacy in American literature and culture. Here are some key aspects of its legacy:
Influence on American Literature: The novel is considered a classic of American literature and has influenced subsequent generations of writers. Its themes of ambition, class, and the American Dream continue to resonate in literature.
Moral and Social Critique: Dreiser’s exploration of morality, social class, and the consequences of one’s actions has made “An American Tragedy” a thought-provoking work that has sparked discussions about ethics and societal values.
Adaptations: The novel has been adapted into various forms of media, including plays, radio dramas, and films. The most famous adaptation is the 1951 film “A Place in the Sun,” directed by George Stevens and starring Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor.
Legal and Ethical Debates: The novel’s portrayal of the legal system and moral dilemmas has sparked discussions about the justice system and individual responsibility. It has been used in legal and ethical debates as a case study.
Continued Academic Study: “An American Tragedy” remains a subject of scholarly analysis and research, with academics exploring its themes, characters, and historical context.
Cultural Impact: The novel has left a mark on American culture, contributing to discussions about social mobility, wealth, and the pursuit of success. It has been referenced in various forms of media and pop culture.
Influence on Later Works: Many authors and filmmakers have been influenced by Dreiser’s exploration of the human condition and societal pressures. His naturalistic style and focus on character development have left a lasting mark on American literature.
Overall, “An American Tragedy” continues to be a relevant and influential work that engages readers and thinkers in discussions about morality, ambition, and the complexities of American society. Its legacy endures through its lasting impact on literature, film, and cultural discourse.
Characters
Clyde Griffiths: The protagonist of the novel, Clyde is a young man from a poverty-stricken family who aspires to improve his social status and achieve success. He becomes entangled in a series of events that lead to tragic consequences.
Roberta Alden: Roberta is a young woman from a lower socioeconomic background who becomes romantically involved with Clyde. She becomes pregnant, which sets off a chain of events that ultimately lead to her tragic fate.
Sondra Finchley: Sondra is a wealthy young woman who becomes the object of Clyde’s affections when he moves to Chicago. She represents the lifestyle and social status that Clyde aspires to attain.
Samuel Griffiths: Clyde’s uncle and guardian, Samuel Griffiths owns a factory in Kansas City. He plays a significant role in Clyde’s life and decisions.
Elvira Griffiths: Elvira is Clyde’s mother. She has a strained relationship with her son and is concerned about his pursuit of wealth and status.
Gilbert Griffiths: Gilbert is Clyde’s cousin and also works in Samuel Griffiths’ factory. He becomes an important figure in Clyde’s life, especially when Clyde moves to Chicago.
Asa Griffiths: Asa is another cousin of Clyde who plays a minor role in the story.
Orville Mason: Orville Mason is the district attorney who prosecutes Clyde during his murder trial. He is a key character during the courtroom scenes in the novel.
Jephson: Jephson is Clyde’s defense attorney during the murder trial. He represents Clyde in court.
Hortense Briggs: Hortense is a former girlfriend of Clyde’s from Kansas City. She resurfaces in his life at a critical juncture.
These are some of the central characters in “An American Tragedy,” each of whom contributes to the development of the novel’s themes and the unfolding of the tragic story.
Summary of An American Tragedy
Part One
Part I of “An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser is titled “The Tree-Dotted Hill” or “The Kansas City Trade.” In this section of the novel, the author introduces the protagonist, Clyde Griffiths, and his early life in Kansas City. Here’s a summary of Part I:
Part I opens with a depiction of the Griffiths family’s poverty-stricken life in a small, dilapidated flat in Kansas City. Clyde’s parents, Elvira and Asa Griffiths, struggle to make ends meet, and the family lives in squalor. Clyde, the second of their four children, dreams of escaping their impoverished existence and seeks a better life.
Clyde secures a job as a bellhop at the Green-Davidson Hotel, where he begins to experience the allure of wealth and luxury. He becomes infatuated with the hotel’s wealthy guests and their opulent lifestyles. Clyde also becomes involved in a romantic relationship with Hortense Briggs, a girl from his neighborhood, but he quickly becomes disenchanted with her as he aspires to be with women of higher social standing.
The Griffiths family eventually moves to a better neighborhood after Asa secures a job at a shirt factory. Clyde continues to work at the hotel but grows increasingly dissatisfied with his circumstances. He becomes more ambitious and yearns for the finer things in life, leading him to make a fateful decision to leave Kansas City and pursue his dreams in Chicago.
In Part I, Dreiser sets the stage for Clyde’s journey toward achieving his aspirations, highlighting his growing discontent with his humble origins and his determination to rise above them. The section establishes the themes of social class, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream that will continue to be central to the novel’s narrative.
Part Two
Part II of “An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser is titled “In the City.” In this section of the novel, Clyde Griffiths moves to Chicago, where he becomes entangled in a world of wealth and ambition. Here’s a summary of Part II:
Part II begins with Clyde’s arrival in Chicago, where he hopes to make a new life for himself. He secures a job as a bellhop at the luxurious Green-Davidson Hotel in Chicago, a position that gives him access to the city’s elite. Clyde is immediately captivated by the opulence and grandeur of the city, as well as the wealthy guests staying at the hotel.
Clyde’s ambition and desire for social advancement lead him to befriend his wealthy guests, particularly the Samuel Griffiths family, who are unrelated to Clyde but share the same surname. He is introduced to Sondra Finchley, a beautiful and wealthy young woman, and he becomes infatuated with her. Sondra represents everything Clyde aspires to achieve in terms of social status and material success.
As Clyde becomes more deeply involved with the Finchley family and their social circle, he begins to distance himself from his former life and values. He develops a romantic relationship with Sondra, despite the fact that he is still romantically linked to Hortense Briggs, whom he left behind in Kansas City. Clyde is torn between his growing love for Sondra and the responsibilities he left behind.
Part II of the novel explores Clyde’s transformation from a small-town boy with dreams of success to a young man immersed in the world of Chicago’s wealthy elite. His pursuit of wealth and status sets the stage for the moral dilemmas and tragic events that will unfold in the later parts of the novel. The section also underscores the themes of ambition, social class, and the allure of the American Dream.
Part Three
Part III of “An American Tragedy” by Theodore Dreiser is titled “A Matter of Class.” In this section of the novel, the story takes a dramatic turn as Clyde Griffiths faces a moral dilemma and the consequences of his actions. Here’s a summary of Part III:
Part III begins with Clyde Griffiths fully immersed in his relationship with Sondra Finchley and the wealthy elite of Chicago. He enjoys the privileges of wealth and social status, and he envisions a future with Sondra that includes marriage and prosperity.
However, Clyde’s past catches up with him when he receives a letter from his former lover, Roberta Alden, who had been left behind in Kansas City. The letter reveals that Roberta is pregnant with Clyde’s child and implores him to come to her aid. This revelation throws Clyde into a state of panic and turmoil, as he realizes that the scandal of his involvement with Roberta could jeopardize his relationship with Sondra and his aspirations for a prosperous future.
Clyde’s internal conflict intensifies as he grapples with the choices before him. On one hand, he is tempted to abandon Roberta and the unborn child to protect his newfound social standing and relationship with Sondra. On the other hand, his conscience and a sense of responsibility weigh heavily on him.
As Clyde struggles with his decision, he and Roberta arrange to meet at a secluded location near a lake. The events that unfold at the lake lead to a tragic and fateful outcome, as the two are involved in a boating accident, and Roberta drowns.
Part III of the novel explores the moral dilemma faced by Clyde Griffiths and the choices he makes in the pursuit of his own interests and social status. It sets the stage for the legal and moral consequences that will be central to the final part of the book. Themes of morality, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions are prominently featured in this section of the novel.