An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser

Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy, first published in 1925, is a seminal work of American naturalism, drawing on real-life events to explore themes of ambition, class conflict, and moral ambiguity. Dreiser was inspired by the infamous Chester Gillette case of 1906, in which Gillette was convicted of murdering Grace Brown, a young woman who was pregnant with his child. The trial and its sensational coverage captivated the nation, providing Dreiser with a compelling framework for his novel.

Dreiser began writing An American Tragedy in 1920, working tirelessly for five years to craft a detailed and unflinching portrayal of societal pressures and personal failings. The book was shaped by Dreiser’s commitment to the naturalist movement, which emphasises the deterministic forces of environment and heredity in shaping human behaviour. His writing style, characterised by its psychological depth and unadorned realism, sought to strip away romanticised notions of the American Dream.

The novel’s publication was met with significant controversy. Its frank depictions of premarital sex, abortion, and murder drew criticism from conservative groups, while others praised its unvarnished examination of societal hypocrisy. There is no doubt that this novel stared tragedy right in the face with absolutely no detail spared for the feelings of the reader or the reservations of the critics.

Plot

The novel follows the rise and fall of Clyde Griffiths, a young man whose desire for social status and material wealth leads him down a path of moral corruption and ultimate ruin. The novel is divided into three parts, tracing Clyde’s journey from poverty to ambition, and finally, to his tragic downfall.

The story begins with Clyde’s childhood in a poor, deeply religious family in Kansas City. His parents run a mission, and Clyde grows resentful of their austere lifestyle. As a teenager, he takes a job as a bellboy at a luxurious hotel, where he is introduced to the allure of wealth and the pleasures of hedonism. His association with wealthy patrons and his affair with a young woman, Hortense Briggs, highlight his growing desire to escape his impoverished roots.

In the second part, Clyde relocates to Lycurgus, New York, where he secures a job at a factory owned by his wealthy uncle. Here, he becomes romantically involved with Roberta Alden, a poor and virtuous young woman who works under his supervision. Their relationship becomes complicated when Clyde meets Sondra Finchley, a beautiful and wealthy socialite who represents the life of privilege he covets. Torn between Roberta, who becomes pregnant, and Sondra, who offers a path to social ascension, Clyde’s desperation leads him to contemplate murder.

The novel’s third part details the tragic culmination of Clyde’s ambitions. He takes Roberta on a boating trip, intending to kill her to eliminate the obstacle to his future with Sondra. Although Clyde hesitates, Roberta accidentally drowns, and Clyde is charged with her murder. The trial exposes the stark inequalities of the justice system, as Clyde’s humble background and moral failings are dissected before a prejudiced court. Despite his internal conflicts and moments of remorse, Clyde is convicted and sentenced to death.

Through Clyde’s story, Dreiser crafts a scathing critique of the American Dream, illustrating how the relentless pursuit of wealth and status can lead to moral decay and personal destruction. The novel ends on a sombre note, with Clyde facing his execution, his dreams shattered.

Into the Book

The American Dream:

One of the central themes of An American Tragedy is the critique of the American Dream and its hollow promises. Clyde’s relentless pursuit of wealth and social status embodies the belief that success is attainable through ambition and hard work. However, Dreiser exposes the moral compromises and societal barriers that render this dream unattainable for individuals like Clyde.

Clyde’s yearning for a better life begins when he takes a job at the hotel in Kansas City. The opulent lifestyle of the guests captivates him, igniting his desire to escape his humble origins. Dreiser writes, “He was like a moth drawn to the flame, dazzled by the glittering promise of wealth.” This desire becomes the driving force behind his actions, leading him to betray his values and relationships.

Clyde’s infatuation with Sondra Finchley exemplifies the false allure of the American Dream. Sondra represents everything Clyde aspires to: beauty, privilege, and social acceptance. Yet, his pursuit of her reveals the harsh realities of class divisions, as Clyde’s impoverished background becomes an insurmountable obstacle. Dreiser critiques the societal structures that perpetuate inequality, demonstrating how the dream is reserved for the already privileged.

“She turned; she bruised under her heel the scaly head of this dark suspicion-as terrifying to her as his guilt was to him. 'O Absalom, my Absalom! Come, come, we will not entertain such a thought. God himself would not urge it upon a mother.”

- An American Tragedy by Theodor Dreiser

Class Conflict:

Class conflict is another prominent theme in the novel, as Clyde’s life is shaped by the rigid social hierarchies of early 20th-century America. Dreiser depicts a society where wealth and privilege determine one’s opportunities and moral standing.

Roberta Alden’s plight exemplifies the intersection of class and gender oppression. As a working-class woman, she is vulnerable to exploitation and bears the brunt of Clyde’s ambitions. Her pregnancy underscores the double standards of the era, as Clyde seeks to escape responsibility while Roberta’s options are severely limited.

The trial scene starkly portrays the biases of the judicial system. Clyde’s poverty and moral failings are used to paint him as inherently guilty, while the wealthy Sondra remains untouched by scandal. Dreiser writes, “Justice was not blind; it was a mirror reflecting the values of the society it served.”

“Who were these people with money, and what had they done that they should enjoy so much luxury, where others as good seemingly as themselves had nothing? And wherein did these latter differ so greatly from the successful?”

- An American Tragedy by Theodor Dreiser

Moral Ambiguity:

Dreiser’s naturalist approach underscores the theme of moral ambiguity, portraying Clyde as both a victim of circumstance and an agent of his downfall. Clyde’s internal conflict is central to the novel, as he grapples with his conscience and the pressures of his environment.

Clyde’s hesitation during Roberta’s death highlights his moral complexity. He does not explicitly murder her, yet his inaction and premeditation implicate him. Dreiser’s depiction of Clyde as neither wholly good nor evil challenges readers to question the nature of guilt and responsibility. “He was not a monster,” Dreiser writes, “but a man overwhelmed by the tides of his own desires and fears.”

The deterministic forces in Clyde’s life (his upbringing, societal expectations, and economic conditions) shape his actions and underscore Dreiser’s belief in the power of environment over free will. The novel’s unrelenting focus on these forces suggests that Clyde’s tragedy was inevitable, a product of the flawed society in which he lived.

“What a wretched thing it was to be born poor and not to have any one to do anything for you and not to be able to do so very much for yourself!”

- An American Tragedy by Theodor Dreiser

Why It's a Masterpiece

An American Tragedy is widely regarded as a masterpiece for its ambitious scope, psychological depth, and scathing social critique. Theodore Dreiser’s unflinching portrayal of Clyde Griffiths’ rise and fall offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the societal forces that shape it.

The author's meticulous attention to detail, was groundbreaking in its time. Dreiser’s ability to capture the intricacies of human psychology, particularly Clyde’s internal conflicts, added layers of complexity to the narrative. His depiction of moral ambiguity challenges readers to confront uncomfortable questions about guilt, ambition, and societal responsibility.

Conclusion

An American Tragedy remains a vital work of literature because of its intense examination of human ambition, societal pressures, and moral complexity. Dreiser’s portrayal of Clyde Griffiths as a flawed but relatable protagonist invites readers to wrestle with philosophies regarding inequality, justice, and the cost of the American Dream. I remember studying this book for a short time, wondering why more people had not read it. Honestly, it is highly recommended by this series and beyond. It is the ultimate wreckage of the American Dream.

Next Week: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum