An American Tragedy

Summary

«An American Tragedy» is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser that narrates the life of Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor family striving for success and recognition in American society. Eager to escape a life of poverty, Clyde embarks on a journey filled with compromises and moral challenges. He moves to another city, where he finds work at his wealthy uncle's factory. There, Clyde falls in love with the modest Roberta, but soon his attention shifts to Sondra, a girl from high society. Clyde's pursuit of wealth and recognition leads to tragedy when Roberta becomes pregnant, and Clyde, hoping to avoid obligations and marry Sondra, plans Roberta's murder. The plan fails, and Clyde is held accountable. The novel delves into the social and economic aspects of early 20th-century American life, illustrating how social status and personal ambitions lead the protagonist to inevitable tragedy.