The novel Genius describes the fate of a painter in America. Some events that happened in Eugene Vitra's youth are autobiographical, and his artistic creation principles are in line with the author's own. Eugene tried his best to pursue the art of realism, reflecting all the love and ugliness in life. On Eugene's canvas, there are images of urban slums, hungry people and children in rags. After a short period of success, Eugene became unfashionable, and he had to sell his excellent works at low prices. He lived for narrow personal interests, had many improper love relationships, and suffered family tragedies. Eugene fell into a profound crisis in creation and spirit. He lost his real feeling of life for a while, and only by engaging in manual labor can he restore his spiritual balance to some extent.

Later, in order to materially protect himself from free creation, he became the artistic director of an advertising agency, and then became the advertising director of a big publishing company. However, shameless narrow pragmatism conquered him. Dreiser put his hero at a sharp turning point in spirit, which was caused by various great shocks-the birth of a child, the death of his wife, and the disillusionment of his beloved girl. Obviously, such a turning point will definitely bring the protagonist back to the real world of inspirational creation.