Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Theodore Dreiser and His Works-1

1.2 Introduction to Sister Carrie-1

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two The Theory of Consumer Culture-4

2.1 Consumer Culture-4

2.1.1 Definition and Origin of Consumer Culture-4

2.1.2 Features of Consumer Culture-4

2.2 Influences of Consumer Culture-5

2.2.1 Influence on American Society-5

2.2.2 Influence on Theodore Dreiser-5

ChapterThree Consumer Culture Embodied in Sister Carrie-7

3.1 Money-based Interpersonal Relationship in Sister Carrie-7

3.1.1 Relationships among Family Members-7

   3.1.2 Relationships among Lovers-8

 3.2 Carrie’s Intense Craving for Material Belongings-9

   3.2.1 In Pursuit of Clothes-10

   3.2.2 In Pursuit of Residences-11

Chapter Four Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

Theodore Dreiser is considered as one of the most influential American novelists in the early 20th century. His novel, Sister Carrie, not only made him well-known all over the world, but also firmly established his status in American literature. Sister Carrie is a story of the heroine Carrie’s ascendance from a poor country girl to a successful actress in Broadway. When climbing up the ladder of the social strata, she does not gain her dreaming happiness, but remains lonely and unhappy in the end. 

Since the late 19th century, consumer culture has dominated the American society and become the central part of American identity. The novel Sister Carrie is a product of the prevalent consumer culture at that time. Living in a consumer society, characters in the novel are unavoidably influenced by the consumer culture and driven by their desire for wealth and status.    

This paper consists of four chapters. Chapter One introduces Theodore Dreiser and his masterpiece Sister Carrie. Chapter Two presents a brief introduction to the theory of consumer culture. Chapter Three analyzes the embodiment of consumer culture in Sister Carrie, which focuses on the money-based interpersonal relationships and Carrie’s intense craving for material belongings. The last chapter is the conclusion. 

Key words:  consumer culture  Sister Carrie  interpersonal relationships  material belongings