Sister Carrie Group

Question:

sandy7
sandy7
Student
High School - 12th Grade

How does the author of 'Sister Carrie' use literary elements to portray the political and social issues?

How the issues contribute to the meanings as a whole entity.

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Posted by sandy7 on Monday August 17, 2009 at 7:43 AM and tagged with political issues, sister carrie, social issues.

Answers:

  1. parkerlee
    parkerlee Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    Implicit Metaphors as a form of Imagery:

    The new jacket Carrie receives as "a gift" could represent the first "trade-off" she makes -  when she decides to compromise her sexuality to receive certain material favours. It is the beginning of a long slide downhill and the point of no return (from a moral standpoint, that is).

    Another very graphic symbol is the rocking chair Carrie frequently retreats to. It is a symbol of movement without real progress - of "going nowhere." It is also a symbol of regression to a child-like state instead of maturing, moving on, and assuming one's responsibilities.

    Check out the following references for a biographical sketch of Theodore Dreiser and for pertinent information concerning the relationship between his works and the Industrial Revolution. For an overview of themes, see the following:

    http://www.enotes.com/sister-carrie/themes

    http://www.enotes.com/sister-carrie/overview-sister-carrie

     

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-literary-criticism/the...
    http://www.enotes.com/sister-carrie/sister-carrie-tragic-...
    http://www.enotes.com/theodore-dreiser-salem/theodore-dre...

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    Posted by parkerlee on Monday August 17, 2009 at 9:32 AM