Theodore Dreiser
The "Genius"
"The 'Genius'" by Theodore Dreiser is a semi-autobiographical novel first published in 1915. It follows Eugene Witla, a talented painter who struggles between his artistic ambitions and overwhelming sexual desires. Unable to remain faithful to his wife Angela, Eugene pursues affairs that devastate his marriage and derail his career. The novel traces his journey from small-town Illinois to the art world of New York, culminating in scandal and tragedy as his uncontrolled passions destroy everything around him.