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
Carrie writes to Hurstwood and tells him about receiving a part in the play. Hurstwood is pleased and “charmed by the development of the fact that the girl had capabilities.” Both Drouet and Hurstwood admire Carrie more, and their feelings for her make her aspirations seem more noble to the men.
Talent and ambition appear to be attractive qualities for both Drouet and Hurstwood. This is ironic given the fact that both men primarily intend to keep Carrie within the confines of domestic life. Neither men encourage Carrie to find a vocation. This acting stint happens completely by chance.
Themes
Hurstwood is of high standing among the masons and plans to make the play “a dress-suit affair and give the little girl a chance.” In the next day or so, Drouet visits Hurstwood’s resort and, after brief greetings, Hurstwood asks Drouet about the play in an offhand manner. He relates that the masons sent some tickets. In broaching the topic, Hurstwood makes it so that “if he should appear on the scene with a few friends, he could say that he had been urged to come along.” Drouet tells Hurstwood that Carrie is to be in the play, and Hurstwood offers to plan a send-off and supper after the play. Drouet is grateful for Hurstwood’s “good-nature.”
Hurstwood cares for Carrie enough to try to make the play a success. However, another reason to advertise the play stems from a desire to keep Drouet ignorant regarding his affair with Carrie—if Hurstwood attends with friends, he will appear less suspicious. Drouet remains in complete ignorance regarding the affair, even after Hurstwood offers to plan a celebratory meal after the play. Indeed, because of his own good nature, Drouet attributes Hurstwood’s behavior to the other man’s good nature.
Themes
Carrie attends the first rehearsal for the play. Mr. Quincel directs the volunteer actors with gusto. Carrie doesn’t really appreciate his suggestions, but she acquiesces to his requests out of “a desire to do anything rather than make a failure.” She also realizes that not all members of the company seem to know their lines.
None of the other actors and actresses in the play are as prepared as Carrie. Carrie did not realize prior to attending rehearsal that the play is only an amateur affair. Still, she complies to the suggestions of Quincel and does her best, proving that she can be dedicated and hardworking when she wants to.
Themes
During one particular scene, Carrie demonstrates her acting potential, embodying the part with “grace” that fascinates those around her. Her performance gains the notice of the director, who later approaches and praises Carrie. Carrie leaves rehearsal satisfied and excited to relate her experiences to Hurstwood and even Drouet, who, at this time, is still “an object for her confidences.”
Evidently, Carrie stands out from the other actors and actresses—she has potential to become a professional. The fact that Carrie is excited about the director’s praise reinforces the idea that she thrives on recognition. Indeed, she desires approval and reassurance from both Hurstwood and Drouet.
Themes
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Unfortunately for Carrie, Drouet is distracted and does not pay attention to her when she tries to tell him about her experience at rehearsal. He drops the subject, which irritates Carrie. She now feels that Hurstwood is “the only friend she [has] on earth.” She receives a letter from Hurstwood, requesting to meet in the park.
Once again, Drouet proves himself insensitive—he does not realize how excited Carrie is and how important the play is to her. This decreases Carrie’s opinion of Drouet and increases her opinion of Hurstwood, although there is no good reason to change her opinion of him at all. Carrie has an idealistic view of Hurstwood.
Themes
For the lately irritated Carrie, Hurstwood is as “the morning sun.” He attentively listens to her as she “[relates] the incidents of the rehearsal, warming up as she proceeded.” Hurstwood encourages her: “Just remember that I want you to succeed. We will make the performance worth while. You do that now.” Carrie is happy with this new endeavor and feels hopeful regarding the future.
Hurstwood does prove himself to be a better listener than Drouet—he is sensitive enough to realize the importance of the play to his lover. Hurstwood offers Carrie the encouragement and recognition that she craves. In this way, the reader can see that Carrie is dangerously close to having a fallout with Drouet.
Themes
