An American Tragedy · Chapter
XXXVII explained
Clyde obtains the name of a doctor who might help Roberta with her pregnancy.
What happens
Clyde obtains the name of a doctor who might help Roberta with her pregnancy. Despite their strained relationship, Roberta agrees to visit the doctor, hoping to resolve the situation without scandal. They travel separately to the doctor's house in Gloversville. Roberta, using a false name, initially claims to be married but eventually breaks down and confesses she is unmarried. The doctor, Dr. Glenn, is cautious and advises her to wait two weeks before any action, refusing to commit to helping her.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy of Religion and Morality
Dr. Glenn's moralizing and refusal to help Roberta despite her desperation highlights societal hypocrisy around sexuality and class.
The Female Body and Control
Roberta's lack of agency over her own body and pregnancy, and her reliance on male figures (Clyde and the doctor) for a solution, underscores themes of bodily control.
Isolation and Alienation
Roberta's emotional isolation is evident as she faces the doctor alone, lying about her situation, and feeling abandoned by Clyde.
Characters to notice
- Clyde Griffiths
Clyde secures the name of a doctor and encourages Roberta to visit him, showing nervousness about her backing out.
- Roberta Alden
Roberta, desperate and emotionally strained, visits the doctor under a false name, eventually confessing her unmarried state and pleading for help.
- Orrin Short
Clyde learns about the doctor from Short, who provides the information.
Key passages
“The information thus gained was a relief, but only partially so. For both Clyde and Roberta there was no real relief now until this problem should be definitely solved.”
The news provided some comfort, but not enough, as both Clyde and Roberta remained anxious until the pregnancy issue was fully resolved.
Highlights the ongoing tension and urgency of their situation.
“But now, instead of protesting as at first he feared that she might, Roberta was moved to acquiesce.”
Contrary to Clyde's expectation that she would resist, Roberta agreed to his plan.
Shows Roberta's resignation and loss of will to fight Clyde's decisions.
“And although within a few moments after he had obtained it, he appeared and explained that at last he had secured the name of someone who might help her, still there was yet the serious business of heartening her for the task of seeing the doctor alone, also for the story that was to exculpate him and at the same time win for her sufficient sympathy to cause the doctor to make the charge for his service merely nominal.”
Clyde quickly told Roberta he had found a doctor's name, but he still had to encourage her to visit the doctor alone and to tell a story that would protect him and get a low fee.
Illustrates Clyde's self-serving manipulation and the burden placed on Roberta.