An American Tragedy

Ambition curdles into catastrophe in Theodore Dreiser’s massive novel, drawn from a real 1906 murder case. Clyde Griffiths, raised poor by street preachers, hungers for money and status with a longing that shapes his every choice. Work at his uncle’s factory brings him a quiet affair with Roberta, a fellow employee, then a chance at Sondra, a wealthy society girl who could open every door. When Roberta’s pregnancy threatens to ruin him, Clyde drifts toward a decision he can barely admit to himself, and the courtroom that follows becomes a verdict on more than one man. Free PDF and EPUB editions are available here.