THEODORE DREISER’S SISTER CARRIE IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF EXISTENTIALISM – A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Journal Title: International Journal of English and Literature (IJEL) - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 1
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and identify the theory of existentialism in Theodore Dreiser’s first fiction, Sister Carrie. Existentialism is a theory which advocates free existence in the sophisticated society and also individual’s freedom of choice in taking a decision. Existentialism states that man exists and in that existence man defines himself and the world in his own subjectivity, and wanders between choice, freedom, and existential angst. Not only that, the consequences of the decision making is accepted without regretting, for even if it is a wrong decision. The judgement, the choices, the resultant acts and its consequences are the determining factors since ‘Existence precedes essence’ and social values are disregarded. The theory of existentialism is applied to analyse the work of Dreiser whose writings replicates and criticizes his contemporary American society, especially women. One of his works, Sister Carrie is taken for the study and it is analysed through the concept of existentialism by adopting textual analysis method.
Authors and Affiliations
ABIRAMI . T, ALAMELU . C
Mirroring the Socio-Cultural Ethos of Assamese Life: A Critical Reading with Special Reference to Assamese Marriage Songs
Folk literature has come to be identified as one of the priceless resources of an indigenous community. Folk literature not only reflects but also carries special characteristics peculiar to a respective indigenous commu...
Eco-Feminism in Emily Dickinson's Poetry
Eco- feminism which is a “new term for an ancient wisdom” grew out of various social movements – the feminist, peace and ecology movements- in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Eco-feminism represents the coming together o...
INDIAN SOCIAL MILIEU IN THE NOVELS OF ARAVIND ADIGA
Aravind Adiga, who is an Indian as well as Australian Journalist and author, has won Britain’s most prestigious literary award – The Man Booker Award for his book “The White Tiger.” In his novels, there is a strong socia...
New Perspective in Learner – Centered Language Teaching: A Study on New Curriculum Adopted by K L University
Generally, there are two views of teaching expressed by conservative teachers, in relation to their style of teaching. One view is teacher oriented style, i.e. Language, Teacher and Learner the other way is Language and...
Amrita Pritam: Voice of Defiance
Traditionally and historically speaking, Indian women were always been told a code of conduct, as far as their expression of love is concerned. Men were supposed to take initiative and express love. Amrita Pritam was the...