Showing results by author "Theodore Dreiser" in All Categories

Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser is a novel about Carrie Meeber's journey from a small town to Chicago and New York, exploring themes of ambition, love, and betrayal in the pursuit of the American Dream. Dreiser, an American novelist of the naturalist school, is known for his unflinching portrayal of life's struggles.

A magnificent portrayal of 1890's America and the harsh realities of a dog-eat-dog world, Sister Carrie lies at the forefront of American Naturalism. When poor young provincial woman Carrie Meeber arrives in Chicago, she little expects to be catapulted from lower-class woman to prominent Broadway actress. Passive and yielding, she lets circumstances coerce her into action and by good fortune she arrives at fame. It is in Chicago that Carrie meets a successful businessman, Hurstwood, who helps her establish her name.

This classic novel describes an ambitious poor relative of a rich man who secures an opportunity in his uncle’s factory and has a social leap to prospectively marry another rich man’s daughter in town. Similar to Gatsby and published in the same year, 1925.

This story follows a true crime murder case from New York in 1906. Clyde Griffiths is the impoverished young man from a family of street preachers who dreams of bettering his station in life. However, his dream ends in murder and he is subsequently arrested and put on trial—putting the media...

Based on a true incident, young Clyde Griffiths revolts against the poverty and missionary zeal of his parents as he pursues job advancement, acceptance in the world of society and the affections of two women. The solution to his romantic dilemma is vividly described in this haunting, sometimes horrific story.

Here are the restless men and women of America, hungry for wealth, love, beauty, position, and that ever-receding promise called happiness.The Theodore Dreiser Library presents the works of one of America’s great chroniclers of ambition and desire, read in full. From the crowded streets and glittering theatres of Sister Carrie to the terrible longing at the heart of An American Tragedy, Dreiser follows ordinary lives caught in the immense machinery of money, circumstance, passion, and fate.Enter his America, and listen.

In Theodore Dreiser's gripping tale, we follow the ambitious Frank Cowperwood as he arrives in Chicago with his new wife, Aileen. Driven by the desire for power and wealth, Cowperwood sets his sights on dominating the city's street-railway system. With shrewd political maneuvering and the backing of influential allies like John J. McKenty, he quickly dismantles his opponents, leaving a trail of financial ruin. However, as Cowperwood's ambitions grow, so does the scrutiny from Chicago's elite. Once welcomed into high society, the couple soon faces backlash when Cowperwood's past in Philadelphia...

Frank Cowperwood's ambition ignites in the bustling streets of 19th-century Philadelphia, where he transforms humble soap sales into a lucrative empire. But beneath his entrepreneurial spirit lies a darker pursuit: the relentless quest for wealth and power. As he climbs the financial ladder, Cowperwood navigates a world rife with corruption, scandal, and moral ambiguity. From his early days at Henry Waterman & Company to his daring embezzlement of municipal funds, every decision leads him closer to both fortune and disaster. This gripping tale unravels the complexities of ambition and greed, ...

Delve into the intriguing complexities of the film industry as we explore the themes of morality and social conduct that underpin Hollywood's glittering facade. This podcast invites listeners to examine the often hidden realities behind the silver screen, shedding light on the ethical dilemmas and cultural dynamics that shape the entertainment world. Each episode features a new complete audiobook, presenting a rotating collection that uncovers various perspectives on Hollywood's influence, its societal implications, and the personal stories of those who navigate its treacherous waters. This is...

In 'Jennie Gerhardt,' Theodore Dreiser unveils the poignant journey of a young girl trapped between two worlds. Born into poverty, Jennie embodies innocence and compassion, yet her beauty attracts the attention of powerful men from higher social classes. As she navigates complex relationships with these men, Jennie's story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of societal judgment. The reactions of her family, the wealthy elite, and the broader community shape her fate, revealing the struggles faced by women in a rigidly class-conscious society. This timeless narrative ...

In 'Genius,' Theodore Dreiser reveals a deeply personal story that explores the tumultuous relationship between creativity and desire. This semi-autobiographical novel delves into the life of an aspiring artist grappling with his ambitions and the complexities of human connection. Dreiser's candid portrayal of sexual urges and emotional struggles offers a raw look at the often painful path to artistic success. Over four years, he meticulously crafted this narrative, making it the work closest to his heart. Listeners will discover how the protagonist's quest for recognition leads to moments of ...

This collection presents eleven of Dreiser’s best tales, ranging from trenchant social analysis to penetrating character study. One of Dreiser’s most powerful stories, “N****r Jeff” was occasioned when Dreiser was forced to witness a lynching, an experience that disturbed him deeply...

"The Lost Phoebe" is a short story by Theodore Dreiser. Henry is so devastated by the death of his wife that cannot find peace, he finds himself constantly searching for her. He slowly yet inevitably descends into madness. Dreiser’s vivid descriptions of the couple’s happy days offer a sharp contrast to Henry's gloomy present. Set on a dilapidated Midwestern farm during the Big Depression, it as story about love, death, sanity and social inequality. B. J.

NBC University Theater initially started in Chicago with a remit to bring adaptations of classic novels, usually Anglo-American, to a radio audience. In its later years, it also included short stories and plays, and went on to win the distinguished Peabody award. University Theater relied on excellent distillations of the novels. and first-class acting alongside high production values.

Theodore Dreiser skrev på sit hovedværk, En amerikansk tragedie, i elleve år, og denne roman skulle blive et af de betydeligste værker i den amerikanske naturalisme. Her koncentrerede Dreiser essensen af sin viden om og sit syn på det amerikanske samfund i begyndelsen af det 20. århundrede og kombinerede den med sin store indsigt i det menneskelige sind og de bevæggrunde, der skjuler sig der.

Tormented to distraction by the death of his true love, an old man embarks on a quixotic quest to find her. A tale that is tragic yet tender, Theodore Dreiser demonstrates the power of a love that bridges the gap between life and death.

The Titan is the second volume in what the author called his “trilogy of desire,” featuring the character of Frank Cowperwood—a powerful, irresistibly compelling man driven by his own need for power, beautiful women, and social prestige. Having married his former mistress, Aileen Butler...

The greatest short story writers strive to achieve a single, dramatic effect, a feature which the early masters of this genre perfected. Although the short story came from Europe, it was reborn in America and reached a pinnacle of superb form on these shores by the turn of the 20th century. In so many of our best writers, we hear echoes of a pioneer ethos that sustains the heart of a great literature. Here are 12 of America's best.

A master of literary naturalism, Dreiser is known for his great intensity and keen journalistic eye as he examines real-life subjects. This powerful novel explores the dynamics of the financial world during the Civil War and after the stock-market panic caused by the Great Chicago Fire. The...

This powerful novel explores the dynamics of the financial world during the Civil War and after the stock market panic caused by the Chicago fire. Frank Cowperwood, a ruthlessly domineering wheeler-dealer, experiences both the heights and the depths of the financial world, always with his loving mistress championing his every move.