Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy is lauded for its incisive social commentary and vivid character development, depicting how ambition and societal pressures shape individuals. However, some readers find the narrative overly detailed and the pacing slow. Its portrayal of the American Dream remains a powerful and controversial critique.

Readers who enjoy An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser are typically drawn to naturalistic and social critique novels. Comparable to fans of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sister Carrie by Dreiser himself, they appreciate rich character studies, themes of ambition, and the exploration of the American Dream's dark side.

An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser details the life of Clyde Griffiths, who, after a troubled childhood with poor, itinerant preacher parents, ascends the social ladder but ultimately faces tragedy. He becomes involved with two women, Roberta Alden and Sondra Finchley, leading to Roberta's death during a boat trip, resulting in Clyde's arrest and trial for her murder, culminating in his execution. The novel contains racism, stereotypes, and depictions of violence against women.

Theodore Dreiser

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Novel

Fiction

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An American Tragedy Summary

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An American Tragedy Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

An American Tragedy Part 1, Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-19

An American Tragedy Part 1, Chapters 11-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-22

An American Tragedy Part 2, Chapters 1-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 23-47

An American Tragedy Part 2, Chapters 23-47 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 1-16

An American Tragedy Part 3, Chapters 1-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 17-Epilogue

An American Tragedy Part 3, Chapter 17-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

An American Tragedy Character Analysis

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Themes

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An American Tragedy

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