Abstract

Sister Carrie is the first novel of Theodore Dreiser, an outstanding naturalism novelist in America. In the history of American literature, Carrie in the novel Sister Carrie has always been criticized as a woman who pursued material life exceedingly. And critics regard Carrie as the woman representative of the lack of independence in the American Industrial Period. However, all these comments are based on traditional social moral values. In order to survive under the harsh social reality, for example, unemployment, hunger and poverty, Carrie has no alternative but to depend on men. Later Carrie realizes that she can achieve her self-worth and change her own destiny only by her efforts. Eventually she becomes an independent new woman in the big city. Therefore we can say that her disappointing experience shapes her unique character. From an innocent and simple girl to a famous actress, we can see the negative side of Carrie’s character, but there are some good qualities worth learning, for example, diligence, ambition, independence, perseverance and optimism.

Key words: Carrie’s character; naturalism; environment; heredity.

Contents

摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction-3

1.1Introduction about Theodore Dreiser-4

1.2Introduction about Sister Carrie-4

1.3 Thesis-6

2.Sister Carrie’s character-6

2.1Carrie’s simplicity and innocence-6

2.2Carrie’s diligence and ambition-7

2.3Carrie's independence-8

2.4Carrie’s optimism and perseverance-11

2.5Carrie's vanity and desire-13

3Naturalism-16

3.1The harsh social reality-16

3.2The heredity-18

4.Conclusion-20

References-22

   Acknowledgments-23