Achieving happiness through worldly goods is a mistake that is often made in society today. In his novel, Sister Carrie, Theodore Dreiser explores this situation. Dreiser uses many different symbols, themes, and contrasts to teach the moral lesson that happiness lies not in worldly goods, especially when achieved by immoral means. Drieser beautifully states the cycle of Carrie's emotions, which involve first Carrie's aspirations, then her achievement, and then her unhappiness, which makes her aspire to do more. This cycle repeats throughout the novel, and through this cycle Carrie systematically climbs up the social ladder. Therefore, Carrie is the embodiment of the "American Dream" of rags-to-riches which was prevalent in the late 1800's. Dreiser also explores the idea that too much of a longing for something leads to disaster, but desire for the unknown or for improvement is hope, innocence or even a form of redemption. This contrast is shown later in the novel between Carrie and Hurstwood. Dreiser's main point in the novel is a contrast between material goods and true happiness or fulfilment. Because of Dreiser's beautifully created characters, the book has a sense of true reality due to the characteristics of each person in the novel. Carrie is susceptible to bribes, while Hurstwood is the typical working-class husband. Dreiser recounts the contrast of Hurstwood's decline into utter poverty and Carrie's rise to stardom, which becomes a central irony of the book. These two characters, along with all of the rest, are very easy to relate to and help to create a more powerful story. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys stories of the past and of the struggle of women to find their place in society. This is without a doubt one of my favorite novels. The powerful reality and moral lesson of the story made a lasting impact.
