Clyde Griffiths

Definition

Clyde Griffiths is the main character in Theodore Dreiser's novel 'An American Tragedy,' representing the struggles of an individual against the deterministic forces of society. His story illustrates themes of ambition, desire, and the impact of social class in the context of Naturalism, showcasing how external circumstances shape personal destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clyde Griffiths hails from a poor family and struggles with his desires for wealth and status throughout 'An American Tragedy'.
2. His character embodies the conflict between personal ambition and societal expectations, illustrating the impact of social class on individual choices.
3. The novel explores Clyde's romantic relationships, particularly with Roberta Alden and Sondra Finchley, highlighting his internal conflicts and moral ambiguity.
4. Dreiser's portrayal of Clyde emphasizes the idea that individuals are often powerless against the forces of fate and society.
5. Clyde's tragic end serves as a critique of the American Dream, suggesting that success can come at a devastating cost when driven by unchecked ambition.

Review Questions

• How does Clyde Griffiths' background influence his ambitions and actions throughout 'An American Tragedy'?
  • Clyde Griffiths' impoverished upbringing significantly shapes his ambitions and actions. He longs for a better life, which drives him to pursue wealth and social status. This desire for upward mobility often leads him to make morally questionable choices, reflecting how his background creates a conflict between his aspirations and ethical considerations. His struggles exemplify the broader themes of Naturalism, where individual agency is frequently undermined by socio-economic conditions.
• Discuss the role of romantic relationships in Clyde Griffiths' life and how they contribute to his ultimate downfall.
  • Romantic relationships play a critical role in Clyde Griffiths' narrative, particularly his interactions with Roberta Alden and Sondra Finchley. His affair with Roberta leads to a moral crisis as he becomes entangled in deceit and guilt, while his attraction to Sondra represents his aspirations for social advancement. These relationships highlight Clyde's internal conflicts and reveal how his desires lead to catastrophic decisions, ultimately culminating in his tragic fate. This illustrates the theme that personal relationships can have profound consequences in a person's quest for identity and success.
• Evaluate how Dreiser uses Clyde Griffiths as a lens to critique the concept of the American Dream within 'An American Tragedy'.
  • Dreiser utilizes Clyde Griffiths to critically examine the notion of the American Dream by portraying it as an illusion fraught with peril. While Clyde yearns for success and wealth, his journey reveals the harsh realities of social inequality and moral compromise inherent in this pursuit. His tragic fate underscores that ambition without ethical considerations can lead to ruin, suggesting that the dream itself may be more destructive than aspirational. Through Clyde's experiences, Dreiser argues that societal pressures often dictate one's destiny, ultimately questioning whether true success is attainable or merely a facade.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that portrays life as shaped by environment, heredity, and social conditions, often focusing on the darker aspects of human existence.

Theodore Dreiser:

An American novelist and a prominent figure in the Naturalist movement, known for his realistic portrayals of society and complex characters.

An American Tragedy: A novel by Theodore Dreiser that follows Clyde Griffiths as he navigates his aspirations and moral dilemmas, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.