Theodore Dreiser
Theodore Dreiser
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Theodore Herman Albert Dreiser was a prominent American novelist, journalist, and editor. He is often referred to as "the greatest American writer of the 20th century" due to his contributions to naturalist literature.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: August 27, 1871
Died: December 28, 1945
Nationality and Profession(s)
American novelist, journalist, and editor. Dreiser's work spanned multiple genres, including literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.
Early Life and Background
Dreiser was born in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, to a German-American family. His early life was marked by hardship and loss, with his mother passing away when he was just 4 years old. This tumultuous beginning would later influence his writing style and themes. Dreiser's education was sporadic, but he developed a passion for literature through his own reading and writing.
Dreiser began his professional career as a journalist in Chicago, where he worked under the tutelage of Thomas Byrnes, a renowned police detective. This experience not only honed his writing skills but also introduced him to the harsh realities of urban life, which would become a staple of his literary work.
Major Accomplishments
Dreiser's literary achievements are numerous and significant:
Naturalist movement pioneer: Dreiser was instrumental in shaping the naturalist movement, which sought to portray life as it truly existed – without idealization or romanticism. His novels like _Sister Carrie_ (1900) and _Jennie Gerhardt_ (1911) exemplified this approach.
Innovative storytelling: Dreiser's use of free indirect discourse allowed readers to experience the inner lives of his characters, creating a more immersive reading experience.
Social commentary: Through his writing, Dreiser critiqued societal norms and conventions, shedding light on issues like poverty, inequality, and moral decay.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Dreiser's most notable works include:
_Sister Carrie_ (1900) – a groundbreaking novel that explores the life of an unwed mother in Chicago.
_Jennie Gerhardt_ (1911) – a critical examination of societal pressures on women and their choices.
_An American Tragedy_ (1925) – a massive epic novel inspired by the real-life story of Chester Gillette, which explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and justice.
Impact and Legacy
Dreiser's impact on literature is multifaceted:
Revolutionizing literary style: His innovative narrative techniques influenced generations of writers.
Challenging societal norms: Through his writing, Dreiser confronted issues that were previously considered taboo or off-limits in literature.
Shaping the American novel: Dreiser's contributions helped establish the American novel as a distinct genre.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Theodore Dreiser is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Unflinching portrayals of life: His willingness to confront harsh realities made him a true pioneer in naturalist literature.
Insightful social commentary: Dreiser's critiques of societal norms continue to resonate with readers today.
Enduring literary influence: His innovative style has inspired countless writers, cementing his place as one of the greatest American novelists of the 20th century.
Quotes by Theodore Dreiser
She merely beamed a fatty beam. She was almost ponderous, and pink, with a tendency to a double chin.
And they were always testifying as to how God or Christ or Divine Grace had rescued them from this or that predicament – never how they had rescued any one else. And.
Conservatism – hard work – saving one’s money – looking neat and gentlemanly. It was such an Eveless paradise, that.
As they sang, this nondescript and indifferent street audience gazed, held by the peculiarity of such an unimportant-looking family publicly raising its collective voice against the vast skepticism and apathy of life.
If I were personally to define religion, I would say that it is a bandage that man has invented to protect a soul made bloody by circustance.
I was in Chicago before I came here, but I didn’t do so very much dancing. I had to work.” He was thinking how such girls as she had everything, as contrasted with girls like Roberta, who had nothing. And yet, as he now felt in this instance, he liked Roberta better. She was sweeter and warmer and kinder – not so cold.
She looked into her glass and saw a prettier Carrie than she had seen before; she looked into her mind, a mirror prepared of her own and the world’s opinions, and saw a worse. Between these two images she wavered, hesitating which to believe.
And then he sank back and tried, as usual, not to think. He must succeed. That’s what the world was made for. That’s what he was made for. That was what he would have to do.
In short, he was one of those early, daring manipulators who later were to seize upon other and even larger phases of American natural development for their own aggrandizement.
