Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to Theodore Dreiser-1

1.2 Introduction to Sister Carrie-2

1.3 Literature Review-3

Chapter Two New Female-5

2.1 Definition-5

2.2 Characteristics-5

Chapter Three Analysis of New Feminine Characteristics of Carrie and Mrs. Hurstwood in Sister Carrie-7

3.1 New Feminine Characteristics of Carrie-7

3.1.1 Independent and Tough-7

3.1.2 Rational and Intelligent-8

3.1.3 Optimistic and Ambitious-8

3.2 New Feminine Characteristics of Mrs. Hurstwood-9

3.2.1 Rational and Intelligent-10

3.2.2 Independent and Tough-10

Chapter Four Reasons for Formation of New Feminine Characteristics-11

4.1 Reasons for Formation of Carrie’s New Feminine Characteristics-11

4.2 Reasons for Formation of Mrs. Hurstwood’s New Feminine Characteristics-12

Chapter Five Conclusion-13

References-14

Abstract

Sister Carrie is the first novel written by Theodore Dreiser, which is also one of the most famous works in the history of American Literature. Naturalism, consumerism and feminism in this book have been studied widely. Theodore Dreiser is known as the greatest American Naturalistic writer.

Sister Carrie was written in 1899. At the end of the 19th century, in America, liberal capitalism developed quickly and entered the thriving period. America became the urban-centered society rather than specialize in agriculture. The city became the pursuit of young people, and Carrie was also one of them. With the quick development of American capitalism and prosperous economy, abundant materials stimulated consumption, which weakened the traditional standard of morality and induced the appearance of some new characteristics.

The former studies about this book are mostly based on criticizing or sympathizing Carrie, ignoring the role of Mrs. Hurstwood. Therefore, this article will analyze the new feminine characteristics of Carrie and Mrs. Hurstwood, and tries to find out the common points between them and the reasons for the formation of their new feminine characteristics.

Keywords: Theodore Dreiser  Carrie  new feminine characteristics