056 - Book 2 - Struggle - Chapter 27

In the words of literary historian Larzer Ziff, The only figure of literary repute who ever rated The Genius as first among the novels of Theodore Dreiser was Theodore Dreiser. This poignant work, Dreisers fifth published novel, is his most autobiographical and remains the one he cherished the most. Crafted over four years, it reflects his struggle for recognition amidst controversy. Despite its rich exploration of sexual urges and complicated relationships, Dreiser felt the book never received the acclaim it deserved due to his original publishers reluctance to support it against criticism. At over 700 pages, it stands as his longest novel after An American Tragedy. The protagonist, Eugene Witla, mirrors Dreiser himself, while also drawing inspiration from the Ashcan realist artists he mingled with in New York, particularly the promiscuous Everett Shinn. The narrative is divided into three compelling sections Youth, Struggle, and Revolt. In Book I, Eugene escapes his small-town Illinois roots for the vibrant world of Chicago, where he studies painting and navigates the complexities of love and fidelity with his fiancée, Angela Blue. Book II sees them move to New York, where Eugenes burgeoning career clashes with his increasingly conventional marriage, leading to personal turmoil. Finally, Book III delves into the unraveling of their relationship as Eugene embarks on an affair with Suzanne Dale, capturing the essence of human desire and the quest for artistic authenticity.