The “Genius” (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Theodore Dreiser
- First Published: 1915
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Naturalism
- Time of Work: 1889-1914
- Setting: Alexandria and Chicago, Illinois, and New York
- Genres: Long fiction, Naturalistic literature
- Subjects: Values, New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Sex or sexuality, Twentieth century, Nineteenth century, New York City, Marriage, Midwest, Painting or painters, Success or failure, Christian Science
- Locales: New York, Chicago, IL
Characters Discussed
Eugene Witla, a sensitive young man with vaguely artistic aspirations. Haunted by an ideal of beauty, he is led to become an artist and to fall in love with many women. Finding no enduring peace in his search for beauty, he seeks it in social and financial success with the same negative results. After years of dryness, his impulse toward beauty is reawakened by his infant daughter, around whom he begins to weave impossible dreams for their future together.
Angela Blue, a young schoolteacher seduced by and later married to Eugene. In an attempt to...
[The entire page is 656 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
Related Topics
