Jennie Gerhardt 1911 is a novel by Theodore Dreiser Controversial for its honest depiction of work desire and urban life Jennie Gerhardt has endured as a classic of naturalist fiction and remains a powerful example of social critique over a century after its publication Originally titled The Transgressor the novel was shelved by Dreiser following a nervous breakdown in 1903 Controversial upon publication Jennie Gerhardt has been largely overshadowed by Dreisers other works but undoubtedly deserves renewed attention from readers and critics alike In Columbus Ohio Jennie Gerhardt struggles to make ends meet while working at a popular hotel There she encounters a United States Senator who takes a liking to her and offers his help with finances Wary at first Jennie acquiesces and soon grows to care for the older man She becomes pregnant and Senator Brander promises to marry her but an outbreak of typhoid claims him as one of its victims Left to raise a daughter on her own Jennie moves to Cleveland to look for work Employed as a ladys maid she soon meets the son of a wealthy industrialist who seems to have her best interests in mind In order to stay with him however she hides her...
