An American Tragedy Group

Question:

barrjaime1
barrjaime1

In "An American Tragedy", what happens to Clyde's family after he moves to work with his uncle?

For example: Esta, his mother, and her child.

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Posted by barrjaime1 on Saturday December 1, 2007 at 11:35 PM and tagged with an american tragedy, characters, elvira, esta, russell.

Answers:


  1. sullymonster Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    Keep in mind that Clyde didn't so much "move to work".  He ran away from his home as a result of the car accident he was responsible for.  He ran in shame, as he will continue to do throughout his life.  He is lucky enough to run into his uncle, who is wealthy and owns a factory, and is kind enough to give Clyde a job.

    Things are not so good back home.  Esta meets a touring actor and becomes enamoured of him.  She has a brief relationship with him that results in a pregnancy.  He leaves, deserting her and avoiding his responsibility.  Because the time period was severe upon both an unmarried woman and her offspring, Esta's mother and father adopt the child, trying to give him a chance in the world.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/american-tragedy/other-characters

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    Posted by sullymonster on Monday December 31, 2007 at 2:33 PM