An American Tragedy · Chapter
Chapter XVII explained
Clyde joins a group of friends, including Ratterer, Hegglund, Higby, and Sparser, for a winter outing in a stolen car.
What happens
Clyde joins a group of friends, including Ratterer, Hegglund, Higby, and Sparser, for a winter outing in a stolen car. They pick up their dates, including Hortense, and drive to a country inn called the Wigwam. During the outing, Clyde becomes intensely jealous when Hortense dances with Sparser, revealing his insecurity and the precariousness of their relationship. The chapter highlights Clyde's fascination with the car and the social dynamics of the group.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Clyde's desire to impress Hortense and participate in the outing despite the risk of losing his job highlights his ambition to rise socially.
Seduction and Betrayal
Hortense's flirtation with Sparser and Clyde's jealous reaction underscore themes of seduction and the fear of betrayal in romantic relationships.
Characters to notice
- Clyde Griffiths
Clyde is anxious about the stolen car but drawn by the chance to be with Hortense. He becomes jealous when Hortense dances with Sparser.
- Hortense Briggs
Hortense is flirtatious and enjoys the attention from both Clyde and Sparser. She teases Clyde and shows off her dancing.
- Willard Sparser
Sparser drives the stolen car and flirts with Hortense, causing Clyde's jealousy. He is confident and worldly.
- Thomas Ratterer
Ratterer is relaxed about the stolen car and participates in the outing with his date, Lucille Nickolas.
- Oscar Hegglund
Hegglund is part of the group, dancing with Maida Axelrod and joking about the outing.
- Davis Higby
Higby is enthusiastic, starting the Nickelodeon and ordering drinks. He dances with Tina Kogel.
Key passages
“Yet Clyde remained troubled. It might not work out right; he might lose his job through a thing like this. But so fascinated was he by the thought of riding in such a fine car with Hortense and with all these other girls and boys that he could not resist the temptation to go.”
Clyde worried about the risks but was too tempted by the chance to ride in the car with Hortense and the others to say no.
Clyde's internal conflict between caution and desire is evident.
“In a kind of sick fury, Clyde noticed that Sparser, who was still with Hortense, was by now holding her close and looking straight into her eyes. And she was permitting him. It gave him a feeling of lead at the pit of his stomach.”
Clyde watched in angry despair as Sparser held Hortense closely, and she allowed it, making him feel sick with jealousy.
Clyde's jealousy intensifies as he sees Hortense with Sparser.