IMAGES AND SYMBOLS OF NATURALISTIC FLOW IN “SISTER CARRIE

This article explores the naturalistic elements in Theodore Dreiser’s Sister Carrie, focusing on the main characters and the symbolic imagery used to reflect the interplay between individual desires and societal forces. Through the character of Carrie Meeber and her journey from rural obscurity to urban prominence, Dreiser illustrates the principles of naturalism particularly environmental determinism, social pressure, and innate human drives. The analysis also considers the downfall of George Hurstwood as a complementary narrative showcasing the destructive impact of societal expectations and internal conflict. Furthermore, symbolic representations such as the cityscape and theatrical imagery are examined for their role in emphasizing the themes of moral ambiguity and the illusions of material success. The study underscores how Sister Carrie critiques the rigid class structures and moral codes of late 19th-century America, presenting a vivid portrayal of human struggle within the naturalistic literary tradition.