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Library's collection Library's IT development CancelThis thesis is a sociological study on Theodore
Dreiser's idea of man's existence.Through An American
Tragedy, Dreiser would like to point out the destruction of
one man who forfeits his life in desperate pursuit of
success.He shows us how the society has influenced and
affected the individual's attitude.
Clyde feels dissatisfied with his poor condition
because he always compares it with the society in which he
lives.The American modern society influences his attitude.
He wants to change his social life,a better life,as other
American men.That's why he rebels his existence,his family
poverty and runs his own way to fulfill his dream of
succe ss.
His eagerness to move upward has made him want to do
anything to achieve success.His intention to achieve
success by marrying Sondra,a rich g i r l ,has made him plan a
murder for his pregnant,mistress,Roberta.
Clyde;however,is not destined 'for success,he fails
to fulfill his dream.He is too ambitious to get what he
wants that turns to greediness.Clyde becomes the victim of
his social and biological forces.His life is trapped by
forces over his control,and his doom is sealed by his tawdry
youth.His death shows the failure of the American dream.He
fails to create himself as the American successful man.
An.American Tragedy represents a massive potrayal of
the society whose values both shape,Clyde's tawdry youth
and seal his fate.It is unsurpassed depicted of the harsh
realities of the American life and of the dark side of the
American dream.