Previous
Chapter 6
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Sister Carrie, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Urban Life and Decay
Morality and Instinct
Wealth and Class
Summary
Analysis
The narrator states that money “should only be accepted as a moral due—that it should be paid out as honestly stored energy, and not a usurped privilege.” Carrie has no such conception of money and simply views it as “something everybody else has and [she] must get.” She feels better off with Drouet’s $20, though she also feels ashamed. Carrie is eager to spend this money on new clothing.
Carrie has a certain sense of entitlement when it comes to wealth. Furthermore, she has a sense of pride—she does not like the feeling of accepting Drouet’s charity. Still, her desire for material possessions conflicts with this sense of pride and leads her to debate whether to accept Drouet’s money, which is several weeks’ worth of wages from her previous job.
Themes
Drouet is “a nice, good-hearted man” in whom there was “nothing evil.” He gave Carrie so much money, money that he would not have given to a male beggar, simply because “femininity [affects] his feelings.” Carrie takes Drouet’s money because he seems “open and commendable,” with no ulterior motives. Drouet leaves Carrie to spend the money, feeling tender and lighthearted about the young girl.
Carrie arrives home in high spirits but worries about how she can buy new clothing without Minnie noticing. At the flat, she lies to Minnie about having a potential job. The two come to an agreement that if Carrie doesn’t find a job, she will go home. Carrie realizes that Hanson and Minnie are unwilling to keep her if she is jobless, a thought that “[arouses] all the antagonism of her nature.” The idea of going home to Columbia City depresses Carrie. Unable to come up with a way to spend Drouet’s money without Minnie noticing, Carrie decides to return the money, though just having it gives her a sense of relief.
Once again, Carrie demonstrates her dislike for charity—she is unwilling to stay with Minnie and Hanson if they view her as a burden. And, upon further consideration, Carrie decides that she cannot accept Drouet’s charity either. Still, despite her experience since then, Carrie holds the same expectations for wealth and glamour that she did on the train. Her unwillingness to return home demonstrates that she still clings to certain ideals about the city living.
Themes
The next morning, Carrie sets out to look for jobs once again, as the money in her pocket “ma[kes] the work question the least shade less terrible.” However, she grows disheartened, and, after one last rejection, decides to give up. Carrie makes her way to the department store, desiring everything, but especially attracted by the jackets. She even picks out a particular jacket as the one she would buy. However, as noon approaches, she decides to meet Drouet to return the money.
Money seems to be an important source of security for Carrie, as Drouet’s money gives her a sense of support she didn’t have before. The temptation of material goods remains strong for Carrie, yet she is dignified enough not to spend Drouet’s money. Carrie’s pride and idealism seem to be in a constant scuffle with each other.
Themes
Get the entire Sister Carrie LitChart as a printable PDF.
When Carrie tries to return the money to Drouet, he refuses to take the money back. He takes her out for lunch and tells her that he will take care of her. He persuades Carrie by saying that there isn’t anything in Columbia City for her. In Chicago, she “can do something.” Drouet proceeds to buy Carrie a jacket, shoes, a purse, gloves, and stockings. He also sets up some rooms for her in Wabash Avenue. After some convincing from Drouet, Carrie decides to leave her sister’s flat that night and move into her new apartment. She briefly returns to the flat, leaves Minnie a note telling her not to worry, and goes to meet Drouet.
Drouet, as a well-connected man, realizes that the city is a place of opportunity for Carrie. It is just that she does not know where and how to look properly. He also evidently likes Carrie, buying her all those clothes and accessories, and offers to take care of her. At the same time, despite Drouet’s good intentions, his mode of help is not particularly honorable—he is offering to make Carrie a kept woman who will be entirely dependent upon Drouet. The fact that Carrie accepts this offer shows her innocence and desperation.
Themes
