Anti-Consumerism in Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie

Abstract

This paper examines the notion of what capitalism and consumer culture have meant to individuals throughout the history of the developement of American society. As to fully understand the reasons of the creation of this notion. This study takes a closer look what is consumerism ideology and its results and how this ideology did affect people from diffrent classes. Furthermore the study makes evident that the developement of the American society and the American economy will force people to reevaluate the old values in order to survive in the competitive society. Eventualy this study places a particular focus on the consumer culture in Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie. The novel selected is thus studied thematically. Literature can not be detached from historical and social setting; it has been. And will continue to be, a register of political and historical turmoil. That is why, the first chapter highlights the socio-historical issues and realities that surrounded and affected the writing of the novel and examines the ideologies widespread in America that time. While the second chapter, it examines how the writer as anti-capitalist attacked consumerism demonstrating its negative effects on individuals lives. Our objective here is to map how Theodore Dreiser criticizes the consumer society and people’s willingness to do anything in order to succeed even if their actions were against moral values.