An American Tragedy · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Roberta is torn between her love for Clyde and her moral qualms about granting him the physical intimacy he demands.
What happens
Roberta is torn between her love for Clyde and her moral qualms about granting him the physical intimacy he demands. After a quarrel, Clyde ignores her at work and flirts with other girls, driving Roberta to despair. She finally writes him a note begging for reconciliation, and he agrees to meet her that night.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Betrayal
Clyde uses emotional manipulation and jealousy to pressure Roberta into physical intimacy, betraying her trust and love.
The Female Body and Control
Roberta's struggle over whether to yield to Clyde's demands reflects societal and personal control over her body and sexuality.
Social Class and Ambition
Clyde's ambition to rise socially influences his treatment of Roberta, as he fears their relationship might hinder his standing with the Griffiths family.
Characters to notice
- Roberta Alden
Struggles with her conscience and fear of losing Clyde; writes a desperate note to reconcile after a day of silent treatment.
- Clyde Griffiths
Deliberately ignores Roberta at work and flirts with other girls to pressure her into yielding; relents after receiving her note.
- Ruza Nikoforitch
One of the girls Clyde flirts with to make Roberta jealous.
- Martha Bordaloue
Another girl Clyde jests with in the factory to provoke Roberta.
- Flora Brandt
A sensuous girl Clyde cultivates attention from, adding to Roberta's distress.
Key passages
“No, I won’t do that. I mustn’t. I can’t. I will be a bad girl if I do. I should not do that for him even though he does want me to, and should threaten to leave me forever in case I refuse.”
Roberta resolves to resist Clyde's demand for physical intimacy, fearing it would make her morally corrupt, even if he threatens to end their relationship.
Highlights Roberta's internal moral conflict and the societal pressure on women to remain chaste.
“Please, Clyde, don’t be mad at me, will you? Please don’t. Please look at me and speak to me, won’t you? I’m so sorry about last night, really I am—terribly. And I must see you tonight at the end of Elm Street at 8:30 if you can, will you? I have something to tell you. Please do come.”
Roberta writes a pleading note to Clyde, apologizing for their quarrel and asking him to meet her that evening, indicating her willingness to reconcile.
Shows Roberta's desperation to regain Clyde's affection, leading her to potentially compromise her principles.