Theodore Dreiser’s novel, The Financier, is a complex examination of the interplay between power, morality, and survival, depicted through the life of its protagonist, Frank Cowperwood. The narrative uses symbolic imagery of sea creatures to explore these themes, highlighting the ruthless nature of the social and economic order. Dreiser’s ambivalent portrayal of Frank embodies the tension between admiration for individual ambition and critique of capitalist excess.

Symbolism in Sea Predators

Two symbolic scenes involving sea predators frame Dreiser’s exploration of human nature and social dynamics. Early in the novel, young Frank Cowperwood witnesses a lobster devouring a squid in a fish tank—a metaphor for the relentless destruction of the weak by the strong. This imagery aligns with Dreiser’s social metaphor that power dynamics in society are as unforgiving as those in the natural world. In the novel's epilogue, Dreiser presents the Mycteroperca bonaci, or black grouper, a fish that adapts its color to either elude danger or ambush the unsuspecting. This creature epitomizes the deceit and cunning inherent in human interactions, suggesting a universe where moral responsibility is as absent as in the animal kingdom.

Social Darwinism and Human Ambition

Dreiser expands on these themes in The Titan, where Frank's rise to wealth is portrayed as a natural outcome of social Darwinism. The author scrutinizes both Frank's successes and failures with a meticulous detailing akin to a scientific study, though with a crucial distinction. Unlike an objective scientist, Dreiser examines Frank through a lens colored by socialist philosophy. Despite an underlying critique of capitalism, Dreiser admires Frank’s relentless pursuit of success, his disdain for intellectual inferiority, and his passionate, ego-driven nature.

Frank Cowperwood: A Complex Protagonist

Frank Cowperwood stands out from other Dreiser protagonists due to his confident and predatory characteristics—more the aggressive lobster than the helpless squid. Dreiser’s ambivalent attitude towards Frank results in a narrative that is both a critique and a celebration of his hero. Frank’s relationship with Aileen Butler, marked by equal measures of passion and selfishness, underscores his complex personality. Dreiser’s portrayal of Frank evolves from an initial satirical perspective to viewing him as a Nietzschean figure, ascending beyond conventional morality and driven by pure will.

Realism and Literary Strengths

While The Financier encounters criticism for occasional linguistic carelessness, its strengths lie in its honest realism and compelling character studies. Dreiser excels in depicting Frank’s turbulent affair with Aileen and masterfully crafts the trial and prison scenes, showcasing his ability to render life without embellishment. Despite its thematic ambiguity and stylistic flaws, the novel remains a powerful and enduring work, celebrated for its integrity and the complex moral questions it poses to its readers.