An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. Summary of the book.

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An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser: Summary of the Book

Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy is a tragic novel about Clyde Griffiths, a man from a working-class family who dreams of becoming a successful businessman. The book follows his journey into a world of wealth, ambition, and ultimately tragedy. Through his story, Dreiser explores themes of social class mobility, ambition, and consequences of one’s choices. It has become an American classic, beloved by readers and lauded by critics.

Plot Summary

Clyde Griffiths is born and raised in poverty, but dreams of achieving the wealth and status that he believes will bring him respect and happiness. He is sent to live with his wealthy relatives in Kansas City, where he quickly becomes ensnared in a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation. He meets Roberta Alden, a young woman from his old neighborhood, and falls madly in love with her. With the encouragement of his friend, he strives to make something of himself and impress Roberta. When Roberta becomes pregnant, Clyde realizes that his dreams of success will be ruined if he marries her. He abandons her and proposes to Sondra Finchley, a wealthy socialite.

The plan backfires, however, when Roberta’s body is found in a lake and Clyde is arrested and charged with her murder. Despite his attempts to prove his innocence, Clyde is found guilty and sentenced to death. His final thoughts are of regret and sadness, a reflection of the tragedy of his own life.

Themes

The novel is a study of ambition and its consequences. Dreiser explores the idea that people from different social classes have different opportunities, and that ambition can be its own undoing. He also examines how our choices can have long-term consequences, and how one false move can lead to tragedy. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the power of ambition and the consequences of our choices.

Interesting Facts

  • An American Tragedy was first published in 1925.
  • The novel was adapted into a movie in 1931, An American Tragedy, starring Sylvia Sidney and Phillips Holmes.
  • The novel was adapted into an opera in 2005 by Tobias Picker, with a libretto by Gene Scheer.
  • The novel is taught in many American literature classes and is considered a classic of American literature.

FAQs

Q: Who wrote An American Tragedy?

A: An American Tragedy was written by Theodore Dreiser.

Q: When was An American Tragedy published?

A: An American Tragedy was first published in 1925.

Q: What is An American Tragedy about?

A: An American Tragedy is a tragic novel about Clyde Griffiths, a man from a working-class family who dreams of becoming a successful businessman. Through his story, Dreiser explores themes of social class mobility, ambition, and consequences of one’s choices.

Q: Has An American Tragedy been adapted into other forms?

A: Yes, An American Tragedy was adapted into a movie in 1931, An American Tragedy, starring Sylvia Sidney and Phillips Holmes. It was also adapted into an opera in 2005 by Tobias Picker, with a libretto by Gene Scheer.

Q: Is An American Tragedy taught in schools?

A: Yes, An American Tragedy is taught in many American literature classes and is considered a classic of American literature.

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