Dreiser, "The Financier". A novel about big money and great opportunities

On account of the writer Theodore Dreiser many excellent books. He painted picturesque and picturesque life of America in the late XIX - early XX century. He was perfectly able to convey the mood that reigned in society. The most famous cycles of his works are "American tragedy" and "Trilogy of desire."

Main character

"The trilogy of desire," the writer begins by describing the childhood and youth of the hero. It should be noted with a kind of love outlines his character Dreiser. The financier has turned out to be energetic, enterprising and intelligent. He combined all the qualities necessary to implement the most daring designs. At the same time, the central character had negative qualities, such as vanity, pride, which he did not fail to use to achieve his goals. His conscience allowed to steal, deceive and substitute. Besides, having a pleasant appearance, he had people to himself, and women especially. And they, in the end, will lead to his death.

Fabula

The events of the novel unfold in Philadelphia. In a large family, a smart boy was born, who learned to earn his first commission in the docks, awaiting the arrival of cargo ships for hours. Then, as a teenager, he trebled to the bread office as an assistant. He arranged for himself the owner of this enterprise and was able to win his trust. After the untimely death of his boss, Frank Cowperwood inherited business.

Staging the plot

Deciding that cargo trade is not as lucrative as we would like, Frank began to play on the stock exchange and very soon became a lucky broker. Interesting and digressions from the main narrative, which makes Theodore Dreiser. "The Financier" not only tells the story of the hero, he also describes the basics of the financial system of the United States of America, the work of the exchange, operations with shares and much more.

Central Conflict

Quickly realizing that his financial talents and the ability to charm people will help achieve what he wants, Cowperwood buys shares of the horse (type of public transport) and establishes a monopoly on his site. He has to compete with well-known business tycoons, rub them into trust and use their connections.

However, when in 1871 a fire broke out on the Chicago Exchange , people in a panic are trying to sell all their shares, which devalues the latter. Thus, Frank Cowperwood finds himself in a quandary. Shortly before these events, he secured half a million dollars on the security of his shares and managed to invest this money in the enterprise. For embezzlement, he is sent to prison for four years. But in the formation of the charge and sentencing secretly involved a man who wanted to take revenge on Frank.

Personal life of the hero

At twenty-one, a young and enamored young man married Lillian. She was older than he and seemed an unreachable deity. From this marriage, two children were born, but the couple quickly cooled to each other, because the thirst for life and irrepressible activity of Frank did not combine with the languid, graceful and unhurried nature of his wife. Both understood this and did not insist on continuing joint torment. Money for the maintenance of children Cowperwood paid regularly, saw them and helped everyone, than he could. In this respect, he showed himself to be a good father, as far as possible. Perhaps this is the effect that Dreiser sought. The novel "The Financier" at the same time showed a tough businessman and a lover in love, who was ready for madness for the sake of his beloved.

In the winter of 1871, at a dinner at one of the "founding fathers" of the city - Mr. Butler, Frank notices his seventeen-year-old daughter Eileen. They begin to meet secretly, because the girl's father would not approve of such behavior. This passion and mystery led to the fact that Butler hires a detective to follow his daughter, and discovers an unpleasant surprise.

Just at this moment a fire on the exchange gives the insulted parent the opportunity to commit his revenge and put the offender and the corrupt person in jail. But he did not take into account that the daughter also had her own opinion on this matter and categorically did not want to give up her beloved. She carried him the transfer, petitioned for the improvement of the regime and early release. Satisfaction of her requests became possible only after Butler's death a little over a year later.

Final transition

The point in this story has not yet been set. The plot twirled swiftly and the events fell on the characters, as Dreiser wanted. The financier should not have lived happily ever after. As soon as he got out of prison, he took advantage of the newly emerged panic in the securities market and bought up shares in the railways. This made the former criminal, yesterday's convict a rich and powerful man. His wife gave him the coveted official divorce, and lovers went to Chicago, where they were waiting for a new life.

The main idea that Theodore Dreiser wanted to convey to the reader: the financier puts his dreams and goals above everything, only in this case everything turns out. Of course, this can not be called a valid credo for readers, but this position is very typical for American citizens of that period.

Criticism

This work, like others, has found its reader. Dreiser, whose "Financier" was supplemented by two more books, was able not only to earn money on his work, but also attract critics. They were kind to him, as, indeed, always. We do not know what kind of person Dreiser chose as the prototype for his hero. The financier, whose reviews were very flattering, turned out to be a colorful character, repulsive and attractive at the same time.

If you want to join the culture of the United States during the Civil War, then you can safely take this novel in your hands. Using his undisputed talent, Dreiser, whose "Financier" quickly won his place under the literary sun, could lure the reader into the world of numbers, money and constant struggle.