Theodore Dreiser's 'Sister Carrie' is a seminal naturalist novel that follows Carrie Meeber's rise from rural obscurity to urban success. It examines the impact of industrialization, social class, and morality on characters' lives in early 20th-century America. The book's portrayal of the pursuit of the American Dream and the stark realities of urban life offers a critical perspective on personal ambition and societal pressures.
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Carrie's journey from Wisconsin to Chicago and New York City in search of personal and financial fulfillment
Becoming Drouet's Mistress
Carrie's decision to become Drouet's mistress leads her into a more privileged social sphere
Dreiser uses Carrie's relationships with Drouet and Hurstwood to illustrate the influence of wealth and societal pressures on her ambitions
Carrie's rise in the New York theater scene and Hurstwood's descent into poverty highlight the volatility of social status
The novel challenges prevailing moral standards by portraying characters who act on their desires rather than conforming to societal expectations
Through Carrie's experiences, readers witness the stark divisions between affluence and poverty and the relentless quest for upward mobility
Dreiser's novel confronts the effects of industrialization and the evolving moral landscape of late 19th-century America
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Caroline Meeber's journey in 'Sister Carrie'
Rural Wisconsin to urban Chicago and New York, seeking personal and financial growth.
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Naturalism in 'Sister Carrie'
Detailed depiction of 20th-century life, societal norms, and human psyche complexities.
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Initial reception of 'Sister Carrie'
Faced criticism for immorality, later praised for honest American Dream and socio-economic portrayal.
