An American Tragedy · Chapter
Book II explained
Clyde Griffiths arrives in Lycurgus to work for his wealthy uncle, Samuel Griffiths, at the collar factory.
What happens
Clyde Griffiths arrives in Lycurgus to work for his wealthy uncle, Samuel Griffiths, at the collar factory. He is introduced to the Griffiths family and the social hierarchy of the town, but is kept at a distance by his cousin Gilbert. Clyde begins to navigate the divide between his lowly position and the allure of high society, eventually meeting Sondra Finchley and entering a world of luxury and privilege. Meanwhile, he starts an affair with Roberta Alden, a poor factory worker, setting the stage for his tragic conflict between ambition and desire.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Clyde's struggle to rise above his station is central, as he is caught between the working-class world of Roberta and the elite society of Sondra.
The American Dream
Clyde's pursuit of wealth and status through his uncle's connections reflects the allure and corruption of the American Dream.
Characters to notice
- Clyde Griffiths
Arrives in Lycurgus to work for his uncle, begins to navigate social classes, and starts relationships with both Roberta and Sondra.
- Samuel Griffiths
Clyde's wealthy uncle who gives him a job at the collar factory but keeps him at a social distance.
- Gilbert Griffiths
Clyde's cousin who resents his presence and treats him coldly, reinforcing class barriers.
- Roberta Alden
A poor factory worker who begins a secret affair with Clyde, representing his lower-class ties.
- Sondra Finchley
A wealthy socialite who captivates Clyde and introduces him to the world of high society and luxury.
Key passages
“Clyde Griffiths arrived in Lycurgus, a small city in central New York, to work for his uncle, Samuel Griffiths, a wealthy manufacturer of collars and shirts.”
Clyde Griffiths comes to Lycurgus to take a job at his rich uncle's collar factory.
Establishes Clyde's entry into the Griffiths family business and the setting of Lycurgus.
“He was not to be received as a member of the family, but as a poor relation, a fact which was made clear to him by his cousin Gilbert.”
Clyde is treated as a poor relative, not as family, by his cousin Gilbert.
Highlights the class divide within the Griffiths family.
“And then he met Sondra Finchley, the most beautiful and wealthy girl in Lycurgus, and his dreams of a different life began to take shape.”
Meeting the wealthy and beautiful Sondra Finchley fuels Clyde's ambitions for a better life.
Introduces Sondra as the object of Clyde's social aspirations.
“At the same time, he was drawn to Roberta Alden, a poor but pretty girl who worked in the factory, and their secret affair began.”
Clyde starts a hidden relationship with Roberta Alden, a factory worker.
Sets up the dual romantic entanglements that drive the plot.