Abstract

From the perspective of consumerism, this thesis analyses the image of main character, Caroline Meeber of Sister Carrie written by Theodore Dreiser.  This thesis discusses features of consumption of Carrie from material consumption, emotional consumption and body consumption during the process when she become a Broadway Actress from an innocent country girl. and further illustrates consumption view of Carrie, whose consumption is conspicuous one. And then the thesis explains consumerism of Sister Carrie from three aspects, which includes desire, Carrie’s symbolic value of consumerism and Carrie’s dual identity. The consumerism reveals people’s distorted value and Material desires dominate. In the end, according to practical situation of China, the thesis displays same problems in Chinese society, explains how to establish a correct consumption view.

Keywords: consumerism; features of consumption; symbolic value; dual identity;

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. The Analysis of Carrie's Consumerism in Sister Carrie-3

3.1 Carrie's features of consumption -3

3.2 Carrie's symbolic value of consumerism-7

3.3 Carrie’s dual identity-9

4. Conclusion-10

Works Cited-11