American Tragedy

A detailed Summary of American Tragedy


There are many aspects of Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy that involve the moral decision versus the immoral decision and God. The main theme that Dreiser maintains throughout the novel is Immorality. Each character in the novel possesses one or more characteristics that show that he or she is partially immoral. When combined, all these elements have a strong message, that there is consequence to straying from God's path.

Clyde Griffiths is the perfect example of how a person is led from God's light. At the beginning of the novel, his character is the son of poor missionary parents. The family spends its' time on street corners, singing church hymns, and reading verses from the Bible. Soon, however, we begin to see the growth of Clyde's free will, and natural curiosity. He begins to exp


Clyde's oversight of this problem leads to his ultimate downfall. He tries to make Roberta abort the child, and it cannot be done, so Clyde begins thinking of others ways to solve this "problem" he has created. If Clyde had stayed with his parents, and lived a life devoted to God, he would have not succumbed to corruption. He actually murders Roberta because he gives into lust and his desire for Sondra Finchley, who represents the evil that Clyde is so enamoured by. Clyde meets his death, by execution, as a result of his lies and bad choices.

Dreiser wants to show his audience that people make the wrong decisions all the time, without realizing the consequences until it is too late. The entire book, the audience is led to believe that Clyde will manipulate his way to the top. Then, all of a sud

Some common words found in the essay are:
Bible Soon, American Tragedy, Clyde Clyde, Clyde Griffiths, Sondra Finchley, Theodore Dreiser, , character novel, hopelessly love, main theme, clyde griffiths, american tragedy,

Approximate Word count = 538
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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