An American Tragedy Chapter Summary & Analysis - Book 2, Chapter 7 Summary

Book 2, Chapter 7 Summary

Another young man staying at Mrs. Cuppy's boarding house latches on to Clyde because of his connections with the wealthy Griffiths family. Walter Dillard is the son of a dry goods store clerk and has come to Lycurgus to work for his uncle, a buyer at Stark and Company. Dillard thinks that his association with Clyde will improve his own standing, and so he invites Clyde to see a movie and to meet some "nice" girls. Clyde, cautious since Kansas City, debates about whether to go or not, but in spite of his promises to work hard, save money, stay out of trouble and behave conservatively, he determines that such a bland existence is an "Eveless Paradise." He agrees to go with Dillard, but only if they consider the impact of his behavior on his relatives. Clyde is annoyed by the obvious subservience of Walter and goes home to write...
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