An American Tragedy

"Who were these people with money, and what had they done that they should enjoy so much luxury, where others as good seemingly as themselves had nothing? And wherein did these latter differ so greatly from the successful?"

-Theodore Dreiser, An American Tragedy (1925)



An American Tragedy (1925) by Theodore Dreiser is based on the 1906 murder of Grace Brown, her lover's immorality, and his subsequent trial. The novel, laced with dramatic intrigue, is on Time magazine's list of Top 100 All-Time novels. Dreiser's tale follows the life of Clyde Griffiths and his struggle to live a successful life. His ultimate desire for status and women thwart his life goal. A tragedy in all definitions of the term, this novel is for those interested in the human condition and the demise of a common man.