Abstract

Sister Carrie has caught lots of critical attentions in America and abroad. For a long time Carrie has been considered as a fallen woman with an ugly heart. Until the appearances of many new values, Carrie is interpreted from various perspectives. In my opinion, Carrie has pursued not only material things, but also the self-rebuilding as a New Woman. This thesis investigates her success of building a new self, including the process of formation, struggles and rebuilding of her self, to discuss whether Carrie is a successful woman.

Key words: Carrie; Self; Rebuilding; Success

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

Introduction-4

Chapter I The Formation of a Self-7

1.1 From Affiliation to Independence-8

1.2 Job Hunting in Chicago-9

Chapter II Physical and Spiritual Loss of Carrie’s Self-10

Chapter III Inner Struggles of Carrie --Changes in Love-12

Chapter IV Carrie’s Zigzagging Process of Rebuilding of Self-15

4.1 Economical independence-15

4.2 Returning to Physical independence-16

4.3 Carrie’s Pursuit in Art-19

Conclusion-21

References-23