Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy

by Harold Bloom (Editor)

A collection of eight critical essays on Dreiser's novel, arranged in chronological order of their original publication.

152 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 1988

About the author

Harold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Reviews

[Lobstergirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Penn Warren's essay was good.

Shelley Fisher Fishkin's essay "From Fact to Fiction: An American Tragedy" explains the hideous "floating participles" Dreiser uses to make Clyde's actions, and his mentality, more passive. These begin at the end of Book II, on Big Bittern Lake, and reappear with a vengeance in Book III. Example: "And Clyde, instantly sensing the profoundness of his own failure, his own cowardice or inadequateness for such an occasion, as instantly yielding to a tide of submerged hate, not only for himself, but Roberta - her power - or that of life to restrain him in this way."

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book I
Clyde Griffiths (16) seems lost until he gets a job as a bellhop in a large Kansas City Green-Davidson hotel.
Could this be his new start on life?
Clyde later meets Hortense Briggs & Sondra Finchley.
Clyde wanting sex spends money on Hortense.
Wigwam. Clyde watches the Dionysian (Greek God) dancing of Hortense & the others.
Sparser & Hortense return later holding hands.

Book II
Lycurgus. Clyde begins doing hum/drum work in Uncle Samuel Griffiths (wealthy) shirt/collar factory.
Chicago IL. Clyde is introduced to the Union League Club.
At the factory Clyde has a love affair with Roberta Alden.
Crum Lake. Clyde begins to daydreams about other woman.
What shocking news did Roberta have for Clyde?
Book III
Roberta's bruised body is retrieved out of the water & Heit (Cataraqui County coroner) & the DA Mason discuss the ramifications.
Clyde awaits trial for murder.
Elvira Griffiths (wife/mother) is going to see how she can help Clyde.
127 witnesses appear in court.

What will be the jury’s decision on Clyde?
Reverend McMillan comes to see Clyde.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written 19th-Century crime thriller classic book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great 19th-Century crime thriller movie, pulp fiction, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

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Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)