Theodore Dreiser

Jennie Gerhardt Illustrated Theodore Dreiser

Jennie Gerhardt, a destitute young woman, meets Senator Brander in Columbus, Ohio. He seduces her and gives her money to tide them over. Her father disapproves of the relationship. The Senator dies shortly after proposing to her. She is left with his illegitimate baby, Vesta. Later, she meets Lester Kane, a scion. They move to Chicago, though they don't get married. Lester's father finds out about the relationship, and he disinherits him before he dies. Lester leaves Jennie and marries an affluent widow, Letty Pace, whereby his father's will entitles him to his inheritance. Before Lester's death, he calls on Jennie, thus demonstrating that he loves her. Lester is to be buried in New York City, where he lived with Letty. Meanwhile, Jennie will look after her two adopted orphans.