# Book III explained — An American Tragedy

> Chapter companion for An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Clyde Griffiths is arrested, tried, and convicted for the murder of Roberta Alden. Despite appeals and a plea for clemency, he is sentenced to death and executed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Class Bias

Clyde's trial exposes how his lower-class background and the Griffiths family's wealth affect the proceedings and public perception.

### Determinism vs. Free Will

Clyde's fate seems sealed by his past choices and social circumstances, raising questions about his agency in the events leading to his execution.

## Character check-ins

### Clyde Griffiths

The protagonist, arrested and tried for Roberta's murder, ultimately convicted and executed.

### Roberta Alden

The victim whose drowning leads to Clyde's arrest and trial.

### Orville Mason

The district attorney who prosecutes Clyde with fervor.

### Alvin Belknap

One of Clyde's defense attorneys.

### Reuben Jephson

Clyde's other defense attorney, who attempts to save him.

## Key lines

> The state of New York versus Clyde Griffiths.

The legal case against Clyde Griffiths is formally initiated.

_Opening of the trial._

> He was not guilty—he was not guilty!

Clyde insists on his innocence despite the evidence.

_Clyde's internal denial during the trial._

> The jury returned a verdict of guilty.

The jury finds Clyde guilty of murder.

_Climax of the trial._

> Clyde Griffiths was executed at 11:59 p.m.

Clyde is put to death by the state.

_Final event of the novel._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters/book-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_american_tragedy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_american_tragedy_se/chapters