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
Keywords
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