Sister Carrie

Historical Context and Significance

"Sister Carrie," written by Theodore Dreiser and first published in 1900, is a seminal work of early 20th-century American literature, marking a shift towards realism and naturalism. The book vividly depicts the life of the protagonist, Carrie Meeber, who moves to Chicago in search of a better life. Themes of the American Dream, gender inequality, consumerism, and personal development in the context of a big city make the novel relevant and important for understanding the foundational changes in American society at the time. Dreiser's work significantly influenced the development of American literature, particularly in portraying deep social complexities through the lens of individual destinies, and it stands as a powerful statement on the subtle nuances of human psychology and social relationships.