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Title: An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser, Richard Lingeman ISBN: 0-451-52770-4 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: 08 August, 2000 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.25 (69 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: a memorable book
Comment: I read this book over 35 years ago when I was in my early teens. It was the first large novel that I tried to tackle and I have been grateful ever since that I gave it a try. The author, Theodore Dreiser, led me through the early life of the main character, Clyde Griffiths. We see him focussing on becoming a moderate success in life. He discovers the benefits of hard work and a little luck. In time he finds himself with a nice job in up-state New York. He seems to be set and starts dating one of his fellow factory workers. Their romance seems headed in the right direction but gets ahead of schedule as she becomes pregnant. Bad timing, because Clyde has just caught the eye of the bosses beautiful daughter. This is the 1920's so current relaxed standards and current debatable solutions were not in vogue at the time. Clyde sees a bright future that will evaporate with the birth of his first-born. What to do? Well, certainly not what Clyde chose to do.
The question is, what IS the American Tragedy? I believe that Dreiser meant it to be the pitfalls of Capitalism. I believe that he was a Socialist at heart and probably in practice. Many a reader will come away with this sentiment as well. However, the irony to me is that it is a uniquely American tragedy because Clyde was a kid from nowhere who had the opportunity to rise to the upper levels. I realize that there were family contacts and that his next boost was going to come from marrying the bosses daughter. However, in European society of his time, neither of these options were even possible. The problem for Clyde is that he focussed more on what he could become than on who he should be. This is a story about avarice and how it can blind an otherwise reasonable person. It is a message that is worldwide in a setting that IS very American.
Rating: 4
Summary: An American Classic
Comment: An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser is a powerful novel of one's battle with self and the temptaions of society, something everyone faces. Clyde Griffiths, the main character, was raised by a religiou mother and father and taught to seek God for what he needs. Clyde desires more. His desire for riches and women leads to his greed and lust.
Dreiser uses and abundance of foreshadowing and symbolism in his novel. For instance, the Hotel Green-Davidson in which Clyde is employed at the beginning of the novel as a bellhop is is described as its "workers doing everything at the sound of a bell," like fighters do in a boxing ring. Dreiser also uses military words while describing the hotel. Together they represent battle, like the battle Clyde faces within himself.
This is a great novel. It is full os suspense and action. Dreiser incorperates many aspects of "American Tragedies" in this book. It contains lust, money, power, an illigitamate child, lying, cheating, and eventually even murder.
I strongly recommend this novel, An American Tragedy to everyone. It is a wonderful and enjoyable book for both men and women of all ages.
Rating: 5
Summary: Based on a true story...
Comment: Just a note, no one here has mentioned that this is based on a true event that took place in Herkimer county in 1906 I believe.
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Title: Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser, Richard Lingeman ISBN: 0451527607 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: 10 April, 2000 List Price(USD): $5.95 |
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Title: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by CARSON MCCULLERS ISBN: 0553269631 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 June, 1983 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Henry James: 1896-1899: The Other House/the Spoils of Poynton/What Maisie Knew/the Awkward Age (Library of America) by Henry James, Myra Jehlen ISBN: 1931082308 Publisher: Library of America Pub. Date: 10 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $40.00 |
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Title: The Way of All Flesh by SAMUEL BUTLER ISBN: 0375752498 Publisher: Modern Library Pub. Date: 14 September, 1998 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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Title: John Dos Passos : U.S.A. : The 42nd Parallel / 1919 / The Big Money (Library of America) by Townsend Ludington, Daniel Aaron, John R. Dos Passos ISBN: 1883011140 Publisher: Library of America Pub. Date: August, 1996 List Price(USD): $40.00 |
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