Status Updates From Americká tragédia

Dreiser should give good reason why Roberta doesn't just GET ANOTHER JOB! Otherwise we have unrealistic tension in the story as the only conflict is that Clyde shouldn't date any of the women that work for him. oh well

Boy, this is a slog. There is supposed to be a good payoff. Way too many words so far.

Dreiser is so good at describing peoples inner worlds and their feelings and motivations. He so aptly describes the insecurity of lower social class. He reminds me of my own resentment of the arrogance of the successful.

The longing for status and the woes it can bring! The importance of status in America is unique. The claim that it can be attained by anyone in America is supposed to be unique. It is so untrue.