Theodore Dreiser builds a female character who desires independence and self-worth. Carrie Meeber, of the novel Sister Carrie, defines her desires in life as "I want to see something," (Dreiser, ). Yet Dreiser continually pushes against this philosophy and builds a character that beyond her knowledge wants to be something. Ironically Carrie defines her self- worth through being something to be seen. Carrie believes the possession of material objects and the ability to buy objects, is the manner in which she can earn the right to be gazed upon.
Carrie lives in a world where material objects carry great importance, and she believes that owning exquisite material objects will provide her with happiness. Often, Dreiser describes Carrie's self- philosophy as conditional; if only I can have this, I will be happy. The city is a place where Carrie believes she can succeed on her own. Dreiser describes her as "A half equipped little knight she was, venturing to reconnoiter the mysterious city and dreaming wild dreams of some vague, far-off supremacy which should make it prey and subject, the proper penitent, groveling at a woman's slipper," (Dreiser, 4). From the opening of the novel, Carrie is not pictured
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Throughout her rise, Carrie is haunted by the need to support Hurstwood, whose aversion to looking for employment had pulled them into poverty. You can't remain tender and sympathetic, and desire to serve the world, without having it show on your face. At Broadway and 39th street was blazing, in incandescent fire, Carrie's name. How hard she would try to be worthy of it. Carrie begins to adopt mannerisms in order to attract male attention, most importantly to be looked upon by Drouet the same way he watched other graceful women. Obstacles fall into Carrie's way and she finds herself in a relationship dependent on Drouet. Oh, if only she could remain, how happy would be her days. People came to it in finery and carriages to see. "At the same time she longed to feel the delight of parading here as an equal. as woman who believes a husband is needed to obtain her desires and goals, and has the strength to pursue her own success and happiness. The audience, the more it studied her, the more it indicated its delight. Every other feature paled beside the quaint, teasing delightful atmosphere which Carrie contributed while on stage. Ladies rustled by in dresses of stiff cloth, shedding affected smiles and perfume.
Approximate Word count =
1347
Approximate Pages =
5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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