National Avenue
What is National Avenue about?
National Avenue (1927) is the final volume of the Growth trilogy. The industrial city has matured and the third generation faces new challenges of wealth, corruption, and the hollow victory of material success. Tarkington completes his panorama of American growth and its costs.
Main themes in National Avenue
Third generation
National Avenue thoughtfully explores third generation through its central conflicts.
Mature city
Mature city emerges as a defining element in National Avenue, shaping character development.
Corruption
National Avenue thoughtfully explores corruption through its central conflicts.
Material success
The presence of material success in National Avenue connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why National Avenue is still relevant today
The conclusion of Tarkington's Growth trilogy — a panoramic chronicle of American industrialization across three generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Avenue about?
The Growth trilogy's conclusion — a third generation confronts corruption and hollow success in a mature industrial city.
Where can I read it?
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