Main characters in-depth analysis - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Roberta Alden: A Dream of Upward Mobility Crushed by Societal Pressures
An American Tragedy by Dreiser

Name: Roberta Alden. "Roberta" evokes connotations of innocence and vulnerability, reflecting her struggles but also potential for resilience.
Physical Description: Described as attractive but not glamorous, reflecting her working-class background and aspirations.
Occupation/Social Status: Factory worker, later an aspiring student. Her status fuels her desire for social advancement and independence.
Initial Impression: Naïve but determined, seeking a better life through education and love. A flicker of fear and insecurity hides beneath her hopeful exterior.

Motivations and Desires: To escape poverty, improve her education, and build a stable, loving life. She craves respect and a sense of belonging beyond her class.
Internal Conflict: Navigates class anxieties, conflicting social expectations, and the fear of disappointment. Struggles between trusting Clyde and protecting her own well-being.
External Conflict: Faces sexism, social prejudice, and manipulation from those in power. The economic realities and societal pressures constantly challenge her dreams.
Driving Force: A strong desire for self-improvement and a belief in the American Dream, albeit a more modest version than Clyde's.
Relationships and Interactions: Her relationship with Clyde highlights societal power dynamics and ultimately leads to exploitation and tragedy.
Impact on Others: Inspires sympathy and exposes the harsh consequences of social inequality. Her tragedy serves as a cautionary tale.
Social Dynamics: Exists on the lower rungs of the social ladder, constantly aware of her limitations and seeking upward mobility.

III. Deeper Analysis:

Symbols: The factory represents her entrapment within the working class. The lake mirrors both her hopes for escape and the tragedy that unfolds.
Foreshadowing: Subtle hints of Clyde's manipulativeness and Roberta's vulnerability foreshadow her unfortunate fate.
Irony: She yearns for security and love, yet encounters betrayal and exploitation. Her pursuit of the American Dream becomes her undoing.
Authorial Intent: Dreiser uses Roberta to critique societal inequalities and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within a stratified system.
Genre Conventions: Fits the tragedy genre, highlighting the downfall of an innocent figure caught in a web of complex social forces.
Overall Message: The American Dream may be unattainable for many due to systemic inequalities, leading to heartbreak and tragedy for those seeking a better life.

Relatable Situations: Facing limitations due to social background, navigating pressure to succeed, questioning societal norms.
Moral Dilemmas: How far would you go to protect yourself and your loved ones? What responsibility do we have towards others struggling in society?
Engaging Language: Emphasize the emotional challenges Roberta faces and the societal forces shaping her fate.
Open-Ended Questions: How could Roberta's story have ended differently? What societal changes could create a more equitable American Dream?