Theodore Dreiser : The Bulwarkへの道(III)

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The Bulwark was published in 1946 after the death of Theodore Dreiser. Dreiser had not written any novel since the publication of An American Tragedy in 1925, so it was followed by The 'Bulwark. In The Bulwark Dreiser poses the same social problems in America as he did in An American Tragedy. Dreiser also gives us a description of the American dream. He states that "for here was the dream of his [Solon's] schooldays come true: a good position, a handsome home, a beautiful young wife, powerful friends and relatives, health and strength."(p.104) This is the same dream as Clyde Griffiths was eager for. Both Solon and Clyde wanted to succeed in the world and wished for wealth. Clyde's dream was not materialized and he was ruined. Solon's dream was materialized, but when Stewart, Solon's youngest son, was arrested as one of murderers and committed suicide, Solon faced a crisis which might lead him into his ruin. After this accident Solon realises that a younger generation is lost in the capitalist country and decides to retire from the bank, which means that he retires from the world. He merges his old antagonism in a nobler consciousness of the Creative Force. He views all things in nature in the light of eternity, elevating himself beyond his lifelong belief that the weak always become the victim of the strong. He realizes God's universal presence and "His good intent toward all things-all of His created world." (p. 319)
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