The Unveiling of the American Dream: Theodore Dreiser’s Authentic Portrayal in His Novels

Abstract

Theodore Dreiser, a prominent American writer, played an important role in genuinely portraying American reality during the nineteenth and twentieth century’s. This paper explores Dreiser’s insightful narratives, aiming at the transformation of the ‘American Dream’ into a tragic reality in works such as “Sister Carrie,”“Jennie Gerhardt,”“The Financier” and “An American Tragedy.” Dreiser’s genuine portrayal extends beyond personal struggles to address emerging social issues spurred by industrialization. The protagonists, like Frank Cowper wood and Clyde Griffiths, embody spiritual strength and intellectual prowess, driven by a firm belief in their potential for success. Dreiser’s fearless exploration of the dark side of the ‘American Dream’ is exemplified in “An American Tragedy” based on a real crime case. In this paper, the focus is on Dreiser’s belief that American life is filled with tragedy and drama, and how it fully encapsulates the American experience of the twentieth century. His sympathetic portrayal of individuals who are lured by the power of money and fame accurately reflects the true nature of a nation that is constantly evolving and changing.