An American Tragedy · Chapter
XLVI explained
Clyde meets Roberta at the Fonda train station, where she has come to travel with him to Utica.
What happens
Clyde meets Roberta at the Fonda train station, where she has come to travel with him to Utica. He is resentful and contemplates murder, contrasting her poverty with Sondra's wealth. Roberta, hopeful for marriage and a new life, remains unaware of his dark intentions. Clyde plans to use a false name and a new hat to avoid detection, while Roberta dreams of their future together.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Clyde's resentment of Roberta's poverty and his longing for Sondra's wealth highlight class tensions.
Seduction and Betrayal
Clyde's feigned geniality masks his betrayal of Roberta, as he plans to abandon or kill her.
Determinism vs. Free Will
Clyde feels trapped by Roberta's pregnancy and his own choices, yet contemplates a violent act to regain control.
Characters to notice
- Clyde Griffiths
Meets Roberta at the station, feeling resentful and contemplating murder to escape his obligations to her.
- Roberta Alden
Arrives at the station hopeful for marriage and a new life, unaware of Clyde's murderous plans.
- Sondra Finchley
Mentioned as the wealthy girl Clyde contrasts with Roberta, representing the life he desires.
Key passages
“The difference between the attitudes of these two girls—Sondra with everything offering all—asking nothing of him; Roberta, with nothing, asking all.”
Clyde contrasts Sondra's generosity with Roberta's demands, feeling that Sondra gives freely while Roberta takes everything.
Highlights Clyde's internal conflict between desire for Sondra and obligation to Roberta.
“He might not upset the boat, as he had decided on the day before, but just the same he was not going away with her.”
Clyde considers not killing Roberta but is determined not to follow through with their planned life together.
Reveals Clyde's ambiguous intentions and his resolve to escape the situation by any means.