Abstract

Theodore Dreiser is regarded as the soul of American literature in the 20th century. His works give a realistic description of the consumerism-infiltrated American social life, which has been thoroughly explored by scholars. However the deep influence consumerism put on sexual relations seems to be ignored relatively. But actually, sexual relations, as the most intimate relationship in the world, reflect the depth and width of consumerism’s effect better. This thesis takes various sexual relations in Dreiser’s novels as samples, and studies sexual relations infiltrated by American consumerism to demonstrate the profound impact of consumerism on people’s lives and values. 

Key words: sexual relations, Theodore Dreiser, consumerism

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

2.-Theoretical basis of the study-2

2.1 American consumerism-2

2.2 Sexual relations in Dreiser’s works-3

3.-Sexual relations infiltrated by American consumerism-4

3.1 Women-perceived romantic consumption-4

3.1.1 Reflected in Sister Carrie-4

3.1.2 Reflected in Jennie Gerhardt-6

3.2 Women- unperceived romantic consumption-8

3.2.1 Presented in Trilogy of Desire-8

3.2.2 Presented in An American Tragedy-10

4.-Romantic tragedies caused by the pattern of consumption-12

5.-Conclusion-12

Works Cited-14