Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser

Theodore Dreiser's "An American Tragedy" is a novel that delves deep into the complexities of the human condition. It tells the story of Clyde Griffiths, a young man who is born and raised in poverty. Clyde is brought up in a religious family, and he dreams of escaping his impoverished life, becoming wealthy and successful, and living the American Dream.

The novel is set in the early 20th century in the United States, a time when the country was going through significant economic changes, and the class divide was becoming increasingly apparent. Clyde, like many young men of his time, is lured by the promises of wealth and success that are often associated with the big city, and he leaves his hometown of Kansas City to pursue his dreams in Chicago.

In Chicago, Clyde starts working at various menial jobs before he lands a position at a prestigious hotel. He is thrilled to be working at such a grand place and believes that this job is his ticket to a successful life. However, Clyde's ambitions take a dramatic turn when he meets Roberta Alden, a young, beautiful factory worker who falls in love with him.

Clyde is initially drawn to Roberta's beauty and vulnerability, and he falls in love with her. However, he is already involved with a wealthy socialite named Sondra Finchley, and he is conflicted about his feelings for the two women. While he is attracted to Sondra's social status and wealth, he finds himself more emotionally attached to Roberta.

As the novel progresses, Clyde's relationship with Roberta becomes more intense, and they begin an affair. However, their relationship is complicated by Roberta's pregnancy. Clyde realizes that he cannot support Roberta and the child, and he decides to murder her.

The murder of Roberta is the central event in the novel and marks a turning point in Clyde's life. He is arrested and put on trial for the murder, and the novel explores the legal and moral implications of his actions. The trial is a spectacle, and the media coverage of the case turns Clyde into a celebrity.

Despite his celebrity status, Clyde is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The novel concludes with Clyde's execution, which is presented in a powerful and emotionally charged scene.

The novel is divided into three parts, with each section exploring different aspects of Clyde's life. The first part introduces Clyde and sets the stage for the rest of the novel. It explores his childhood, his ambitions, and his move to Chicago. The second part of the novel focuses on Clyde's relationship with Roberta and the events leading up to her murder.

The third and final part of the novel deals with the aftermath of the murder and Clyde's trial. It explores the legal and moral implications of his actions, as well as the impact of the murder on the people around him.

Throughout the novel, Dreiser raises important questions about morality, justice, and the pursuit of success. He shows how the American Dream can be both a driving force for success and a destructive force that can lead people to make terrible choices.

In conclusion, "An American Tragedy" is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of the human condition. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the darker side of the American Dream and raises important questions about morality, justice, and the pursuit of success. The book is a classic and remains relevant today, almost a century after it was first published.