I learned of Dreiser's work when I went to college at Indiana State University where there was a hall named after him. We had to study an author in English composition class, and I chose Dreiser. I chose this novel, Sister Carrie. I had forgotten about this portion of the book since it has been over 30 years ago. Glad to have stumbled upon this piece. Thank you for uploading; it is very beautiful.
_Sister Carrie_ as originally written was a longer novel. Together with his friend Arthur Henry, Dreiser cut the book down. Ames originally had a greater role. Still, I don't think it's a great loss that we only get a partial view of Ames because it suggests the pattern evident in the story that whatever understanding Carrie (or, by extension, anyone) comes to, another, more alluring vision is in the process of developing.
A noble speech and Ames is the closest to enlightened vision that _Sister Carrie_ presents. However, when Ames gives this speech, it is already too late. Carrie is now, as Carrie Madenda, a successful actress and been compromised by the struggles she has had to undergo to reach the position she is in. She can only wonder how she got where she is. When Mrs. Vance asks her how it all came about, Carrie can only reply, "I have no idea."
Yea. It's as if Ames is just a mouthpiece for Dreiser's world-view. As a character, he's flat and late-appearing, like you said. I think Dreiser is just trying to shoehorn his two cents in before the end.
I learned of Dreiser's work when I went to college at Indiana State University where there was a hall named after him. We had to study an author in English composition class, and I chose Dreiser. I chose this novel, Sister Carrie. I had forgotten about this portion of the book since it has been over 30 years ago. Glad to have stumbled upon this piece. Thank you for uploading; it is very beautiful.
sharonb7323 1 year ago
_Sister Carrie_ as originally written was a longer novel. Together with his friend Arthur Henry, Dreiser cut the book down. Ames originally had a greater role. Still, I don't think it's a great loss that we only get a partial view of Ames because it suggests the pattern evident in the story that whatever understanding Carrie (or, by extension, anyone) comes to, another, more alluring vision is in the process of developing.
rlathbury 1 year ago
A noble speech and Ames is the closest to enlightened vision that _Sister Carrie_ presents. However, when Ames gives this speech, it is already too late. Carrie is now, as Carrie Madenda, a successful actress and been compromised by the struggles she has had to undergo to reach the position she is in. She can only wonder how she got where she is. When Mrs. Vance asks her how it all came about, Carrie can only reply, "I have no idea."
rlathbury 1 year ago
@rlathbury
Yea. It's as if Ames is just a mouthpiece for Dreiser's world-view. As a character, he's flat and late-appearing, like you said. I think Dreiser is just trying to shoehorn his two cents in before the end.
KutzTravels 1 year ago
Great.
Tonymostrom 1 year ago