# Chapter XXI explained — An American Tragedy

> Chapter companion for An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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