1. Was Clyde Griffiths guilty of murder in the first degree? 2. Discuss the American city as a symbol of twentieth-century materialism. 3. Compare the attitudes of Mason, Burleigh, Heit, Belknap, and Jephson toward the law. 4. Discuss the irony of Clyde Griffiths as a dreamer. 5. How does Dreiser […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsTheodore Dreiser Biography
Although Theodore Dreiser never received the Nobel Prize for literature, he is recognized today as a genuine American literary pioneer, and his massive An American Tragedy is acclaimed as one of the most important novels in American literature. Theodore Dreiser’s beginnings were not auspicious. The twelfth of thirteen children, he […]
Read more Theodore Dreiser BiographyCharacter Analysis Orville W. Mason
Even during Clyde Griffiths’s trial, the short, broad-chested, dynamic district attorney of Cataraqui County seems well on his way toward realizing the American Dream. On the make, he struggles for success in the form of additional political and legal power. Eager for victory and fame, he believes in seizing the […]
Read more Character Analysis Orville W. MasonCharacter Analysis Sondra Finchley
Those material things which cause Clyde to contemplate murder are taken for granted by his American Dream Girl. Typifying young, sophisticated wealth, Sondra Finchley is the glass of Lycurgus fashion. She is devoted to clothes and fun and games and romantic love. Society is her stage, and nature is her […]
Read more Character Analysis Sondra FinchleyCharacter Analysis Roberta Alden
Clyde’s factory girlfriend believes in life and love. Like Clyde, she desires a better life and better marriage prospects, but she has no grand illusions about marrying into wealth and luxury. She believes in the efficacy of her efforts and in the value of continuing her education. Morality is important […]
Read more Character Analysis Roberta AldenCharacter Analysis Samuel Griffiths
Clyde’s uncle, the owner of Griffiths Collar and Shirt Company in Lycurgus, New York, personifies the American Dream realized. He places great value on his good name, his family, his wealth, his possessions, and his status. He also believes that working hard develops character, especially for those destined to rise. […]
Read more Character Analysis Samuel GriffithsCharacter Analysis Elvira Griffiths
Clyde’s mother believes in a merciful God Almighty. She believes also that through her faith and good works she has been called upon to spread the word of God. Though preoccupied with saving souls, she deeply loves her children, knowing full well that they carry the weaknesses and sins of […]
Read more Character Analysis Elvira GriffithsCharacter Analysis Clyde Griffiths
Dreiser’s protagonist-victim lusts after the American Dream of Success. He is disposed to the acquisition of material wealth in order to buy expensive clothes, to be chauffeured around in handsome automobiles, and to dine in luxurious restaurants. He yearns for amorous adventures, both erotic and romantic. He trusts in adventurous […]
Read more Character Analysis Clyde GriffithsSummary and Analysis Book III: Chapters 27-34
This section documents Clyde’s confinement in the state penitentiary and his execution. Through her newspaper articles and public appearances, Elvira Griffiths fights for appeal money. Meanwhile, Asa becomes ill in Denver; in a burst of sympathy, Clyde’s lawyers advise Elvira to return home while they appeal Clyde’s case. From Denver, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book III: Chapters 27-34Summary and Analysis Book III: Chapters 20-26
This section delineates the awesome course of Clyde’s trial. Mason blazons his case of Clyde Griffiths as a cold-blooded murderer. Witness after witness steps forward. The trial continues into November; Mason is elected overwhelmingly to the judgeship. The prosecution concludes with a dramatic reading of Roberta’s letters. Next, Clyde’s lawyers […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book III: Chapters 20-26