An American Tragedy

Definition

An American Tragedy refers to a literary genre that explores the downfall of a character due to a combination of personal failings and societal pressures, often highlighting the American Dream's darker aspects. This concept illustrates how individual ambitions can lead to moral dilemmas and tragic consequences, reflecting the complexities of life in America during the early 20th century, especially within the framework of naturalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'American Tragedy' was popularized by Theodore Dreiser's novel 'An American Tragedy', published in 1925, which tells the story of Clyde Griffiths and his moral downfall.
2. This genre often features protagonists who are initially ambitious but become trapped by societal expectations and their own desires, leading to inevitable failure.
3. The exploration of class struggles and the pursuit of the American Dream are central themes, showcasing how these aspirations can lead to devastating choices.
4. An American Tragedy frequently critiques the idea that hard work guarantees success, highlighting how external forces like poverty and societal norms can thwart personal ambitions.
5. The narrative structure typically follows a linear progression from ambition to downfall, emphasizing the tragic arc of the character's journey.

Review Questions

• How does An American Tragedy reflect the principles of naturalism in its portrayal of characters and their circumstances?
  • An American Tragedy embodies naturalism by depicting characters whose lives are heavily influenced by their environment and hereditary factors. The protagonist, Clyde Griffiths, is shaped by his social class and the expectations placed upon him, illustrating how his ambition leads to moral conflicts. The story shows that despite his desires for success and acceptance, external forces ultimately dictate his fate, emphasizing the idea that individuals have limited control over their destinies.
• Discuss the implications of the American Dream as presented in An American Tragedy, particularly in relation to its tragic elements.
  • In An American Tragedy, the American Dream serves as both an aspiration and a source of tragedy for characters like Clyde Griffiths. While the dream suggests that anyone can achieve success through hard work, Clyde's story reveals how this ideal can become a double-edged sword. His pursuit of wealth and social status leads him to make morally questionable decisions, demonstrating that the relentless chase for the dream can result in dire consequences when one becomes ensnared by societal pressures.
• Evaluate how social determinism plays a role in shaping the events of An American Tragedy, affecting both individual choices and broader societal outcomes.
  • Social determinism is a key factor in An American Tragedy, as it underscores how Clyde Griffiths' actions are influenced by his socio-economic background and societal expectations. His choices are not made in a vacuum; they are shaped by his need for acceptance and fear of failure within a class-conscious society. This interplay between personal decisions and social forces illustrates that while Clyde may seek agency in his life, he is ultimately constrained by external conditions, leading to his tragic downfall and reflecting broader themes about society's role in individual fates.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, often portraying life as determined by external forces beyond individual control.

The American Dream: The national ethos of the United States, which suggests that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, often questioned in narratives exploring tragedy.

Social Determinism: The theory that social factors largely shape individual behavior and destiny, playing a crucial role in the outcomes faced by characters in American tragedies.