Abstract:Sister Carrie is written by the naturalist writer----Dreiser. Throuht analyzing the intricate relationship among the characters and the various means they use for their goals. It reveals the characters weakness of humanity and a series of tragedies caused by these weaknesses.

Key words: Sister Carrie; American Dream; physical enjoyment; weakness; tragedy

中文摘要:《嘉莉妹妹》是美国自然主义作家德莱塞的作品，通过分析人物之间错综复杂的关系以及他们为达目的的各种手段，揭露了人物人性中的弱点，以及由这些弱点而导致的一系列悲剧。

关键词：《嘉莉妹妹》、美国梦、物质享受、弱点、悲剧

In the late 19th century, capitalism was rapidly developed in America, the great gap between the rich and the poor; contradiction between employers and employees; the corruption of moral and humanity, increasingly drew people’s attention. However, the bottom of the society were eager to catch the so-called “American Dreams”-----those who pursure their goals in life through hard work and free choice, and never gave up their hope for success, so they struggled and fighted in order to make their dreams come to realize. And at that time, consumption was regarded as a symbol of people’s social position. Those who could afford to buy the most exspensive and luxurious things implied their high social status. To reach that respectable life, lots of poor people moved from rural to urban, or even frome other countries to the U.S.A., to fulfill their dreams for good fortune. The essence of American culture emphasizes personal value, the core of it is individualism, people of America think highly of it, and firmly believe that one can come to success through hard work and persistence.