Jennie Gerhardt (eBook)

Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945) was a prominent American author and an outstanding figure in the naturalist movement in literature. With roots in the Midwest, Dreiser's works frequently addressed the social issues of his time, peering into the lives of the poor and the struggle of the individual against a materialistic society. Dreiser's literary style is characterized by its narrative force and its candid, sometimes stark depiction of reality. He focused on the power of instincts and the environment in shaping human behavior, diverging from literary conventions of his epoch. One of Dreiser's notable works, 'Jennie Gerhardt' (1911), is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of love, innocence, class, and the contrasting facets of social morality and personal desires. The novel, like much of Dreiser's writing, exhibits his profound concern with the plight of women in society and the intricate dynamics of human relationships. Dreiser's other significant works include 'Sister Carrie' (1900), which is often recognized as his masterpiece, and 'An American Tragedy' (1925), which critically examines the illusion of the American dream. His contributions to American literature have earned him a place in the pantheon of great American writers, and his works continue to be studied for their penetrating psychological insight and unflinching realism.