American Tragedy 23%

Clyde involved in death of little girl via car accident.  Flees KC and goes to Chicago, then on to Lycurgus--the hometown of his uncle. He works in the basement of the collar factor of his uncle.  His cousin Gilbert is jealous of him.  Tough line:  If he throws his lot in with his fellow workers, then he loses his chance to be part of the upper crust.  But--if he doesn't throw his lot with his fellow workers, then he is lonely and bored.  Meets Rita.  She encourages his advances.  Dreiser knows the power of sex.

At this point Clyde has been invited to dinner with his uncle--his chance to become part of the family.  Gilbert is gone, and his uncle and his female cousins are predisposed in his favor.  Looks good for Clyde.