An American Tragedy · Chapter
Chapter II explained
This chapter delves into Clyde Griffiths' early life, his family's shabby religious mission in Kansas City, and his growing discontent with poverty.
What happens
This chapter delves into Clyde Griffiths' early life, his family's shabby religious mission in Kansas City, and his growing discontent with poverty. It contrasts his parents' impractical, devout lifestyle with the wealth of his uncle Samuel Griffiths in Lycurgus, sparking Clyde's ambition and desire for a better life. The chapter also explores Clyde's vanity, his sensitivity to social class, and his early awareness of sex and appearance.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Clyde's intense awareness of his family's low social standing and his yearning to rise into the wealthy class, epitomized by his uncle Samuel, drives the chapter.
The American Dream
Clyde's belief that he can better himself through opportunity and material success, contrasting with his parents' religious fatalism, embodies the pursuit of the American Dream.
Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality
The chapter critiques the Griffiths' religious devotion as impractical and neglectful, highlighting the disconnect between their spiritual claims and their children's material deprivation.
Characters to notice
- Clyde Griffiths
Clyde is the central focus, depicted as a vain and ambitious youth who feels trapped by his family's poverty and religious mission, dreaming of a better life and envying the rich.
- Asa Griffiths
Asa is Clyde's father, a poorly integrated and impractical religious enthusiast who runs street missions and is unable to provide for his family.
- Elvira Griffiths
Elvira is Clyde's mother, firmer than her husband but equally impractical, sharing his unwavering faith and neglect of the children's practical education.
- Samuel Griffiths
Samuel is Clyde's wealthy uncle in Lycurgus, a successful collar manufacturer whose riches contrast sharply with Clyde's poverty and fuel Clyde's aspirations.
- Esta Griffiths
Esta is Clyde's sister, mentioned as part of the family unit living in the same hand-to-mouth existence.
Key passages
“What a wretched thing it was to be born poor and not to have anyone to do anything for you and not to be able to do so very much for yourself!”
Clyde laments the misfortune of being born into poverty, with no one to help him and limited ability to improve his own situation.
This captures Clyde's deep frustration and sense of helplessness about his social and economic circumstances.
“The one thing that really interested him in connection with his parents was the existence somewhere in the east—in a small city called Lycurgus, near Utica he understood—of an uncle, a brother of his father’s, who was plainly different from all this. That uncle—Samuel Griffiths by name—was rich.”
Clyde's only source of hope regarding his family is the knowledge of his wealthy Uncle Samuel Griffiths in Lycurgus, who represents a life of luxury and success far removed from Clyde's own.
This introduces the pivotal figure of Samuel Griffiths as a symbol of the wealth and status Clyde craves.