An American Tragedy Chapter Summary & Analysis - Book 1, Chapter 5 Summary

Book 1, Chapter 5 Summary

Excited and anxious, Clyde can hardly wait for the weekend to be over and reports back to the Hotel Green-Davidson on Monday afternoon. The bell captain forgot him, but since he was short on help, decides to give Clyde a try after interviewing him. When Squires asks Clyde what his father does for a living, Clyde uses all the information to his advantage without quite being dishonest. He says that his father sells washing machines and wringers, but that he preaches on Sundays. This tidbit appeals to Mr. Squires, who thinks that a boy from a religious upbringing might be less prone to getting into trouble than the ones he has hired and often has to let go because of poor behavior.

Clyde is agreeable, and Mr. Squires decides to hire him. He tells him that the pay is fifteen dollars per month, but that the hotel provides meals. In...
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