An American Tragedy

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, the novel follows Clyde Griffiths, a young man torn between his impoverished upbringing and his aspirations for a lavish lifestyle. His relationships with the manipulative Hortense Briggs and the innocent Roberta Alden lead to tragic consequences, including Roberta's accidental drowning during a boating incident. As Clyde navigates his desires and moral dilemmas, he becomes embroiled in a murder trial that culminates in his execution. The story explores themes of ambition, social class, and the impact of fate.