The Function Of Economy In Sister Carrie

Sister Carrie is set in two American cities, Chicago and New York, at the end of the nineteenth-century, when America was transforming from an agricultural country into an industrial one. The booming economy is reflected in all the aspects of life in the novel. Attracted by the economy prosperity in the big city, Carrie goes to Chicago, where she soon loses herself. Exposed to all the material wonders that the city can offer, Carrie, a quick learner, soon gets her values and philosophy of life reshaped, She goes from one man to another, and views material affluence as the only source of happiness; the influence of economy is also reflected in the breakup of traditional personal relationship. However, the function of economy has also its positive sides. With so many women going to the workforce, women's social status has been greatly raised; and Carrie, who comes out as a successful actress at the end of novel and becomes independent and confident, is able to look at herself from her own eyes. She is no longer dependent on being looked at by others. But owning to some reasons, Carrie's economic success doesn't bring her heart's content, nor does she stop pursuing new targets. Carrie is always curious about the future, the image of Carrie signing on the rocking chair can be analyzed not only as her frustration after success, but as a vivid embodiment of her unremitting quest.