ing editor-in-chief of the Butterick Publications
(_Delineator_, _Designer_, _New Idea_, _English Delineator_), 1907-10.
Organized the National Child Rescue Campaign, 1907.

SUGGESTIONS FOR READING

1. As Mr. Dreiser is considered by many critics the novelist of biggest
stature as yet produced by America, the nature and sources of his
strength and of his weakness deserve careful analysis. Observe (1) that
his attitude toward life and his general method derive from Zola; (2)
that his materials are drawn from his extensive and varied experience as
a journalist; (3) that these two facts are exemplified in brief in his
biographical studies, _Twelve Men_, which are "human documents."

2. Note the dates of _Sister Carrie_ and of _Jennie Gerhardt_, and work
out Dreiser's loss and gain during the long period of silence between
them.

3. _Hey, Rub-a-Dub-Dub_ (cf. _Nation_, 109 ['19]: 278) should be read by
every student of Dreiser, for its revelation of his attitude toward
humanity, which contributes largely to the greatness of his work, and of
his failure to think out a point of view, which is a fundamental
weakness. Note his admission: "I am one of those curious persons who
cannot make up their minds about anything."

4. With what types of material does Mr. Dreiser succeed best? Why?

5. Discuss Mr. Dreiser's style in connection with the following topics:
(1) economy; (2) realism; (3) suggestion; (4) taste; (5) rhythmic beauty.
What deeply rooted defect is suggested by the following description of
the Woolworth Building in New York:--"lifts its defiant spear of clay
into the very maw of heaven"?

6. How far does Mr. Dreiser represent American life? Do you think his
work will be for some time the best that we can do in literature?

7. Read Mr. Van Doren's article (listed below) for suggestion of other
points for discussion. The following passage is especially significant:

Not the incurable awkwardness of his style nor his occasional
merciless verbosity nor his too frequent interpositions of crude
argument can destroy the effect which he produces at his best--that
of a noble spirit brooding over a world which in spite of many
condemnations he deeply, somberly loves. Something peasantlike in
his genius may blind him a little to the finer shades of character
and set him astray in his reports of cultivated society. His
conscience about telling the plain truth may suffer at times f