Abstract: This is a study of the need-driven life of Sister Carrie. It analyzes her growth from a countryside girl struggling for a humble place in Chicago into a successful actress popular in New York. Maslow’s Hierarch of Needs is a theoretical tool with which the analysis id conducted. The study finds that Carrie is an ambitious young woman who always desires something higher than what she has already had. Her life is a vivid reflection of the American society in the profound transformation of industrialization, commercialization and urbanization. 

   Key words: Maslow’s hierarchical theory; Sister Carrie; feminist sense; desire

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

  1.1 About the Author and Sister Carrie1

  1.2 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs ………………….2

2. Review of Related Studies2   

  2.1 Studies on Ideological Theme of Sister Carrie3

2.2 Studies on Translation of Sister Carrie 4

  2.3 Studies on Main Characters in Sister Carrie.4

3. Analysis of Sister Carrie’s Needs .5 

  3.1Physiological Needs and Safety Needs.6

  3.2 Love and Belonging Needs .7

  3.3 Self Esteem Needs .8

  3.4 Self-actualization Needs 8

4. Sister Carrie’s Satisfaction of Her Needs.10

  4.1 Carrie’s First Employment.11

  4.2 Carrie’s Social Relationship.11

  4.3 Carrie’s Feminist Mentality13

  4.4 Carrie’s Aspiration for Happiness14

5.Conclusion 16

  References18