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Caroline Quote by Theodore Dreiser

“Caroline, or Sister Carrie, as she had been half affectionately termed by the family, was possessed of a mind rudimentary in its power of observation and analysis. Self-interest with her was high, but not strong. It was, nevertheless, her guiding characteristic. Warm with the fancies of youth…” quote by Theodore Dreiser
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““Caroline, or Sister Carrie, as she had been half affectionately termed by the family, was possessed of a mind rudimentary in its power of observation and analysis. Self-interest with her was high, but not strong. It was, nevertheless, her guiding characteristic. Warm with the fancies of youth, pretty with the insipid prettiness of the formative period, possessed of a figure promising eventual shapeliness and an eye alight with certain native intelligence, she was a fair example of the middle American class—two generations removed from the emigrant. Books were beyond her interest—knowledge a sealed book. In the intuitive graces she was still crude. She could scarcely toss her head gracefully. Her hands were almost ineffectual. The feet, though small, were set flatly. And yet she was interested in her charms, quick to understand the keener pleasures of life, ambitious to gain in material things. A half-equipped little knight she was, venturing to reconnoitre the mysterious city and dreaming wild dreams of some vague, far-off supremacy, which should make it prey and subject—the proper penitent, grovelling at a woman's slipper.””

Theodore Dreiser

About This Quote

Source Novel: Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser, 1900

A young woman of modest means, driven by self‑interest and youthful dreams, navigates a changing America while lacking education and refinement.

In simple terms: A modest young woman seeks material success despite limited education.

Key Takeaway

Pursue growth while recognizing personal limits.

Themes

ambition class American Dream self‑interest growth

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

literary character study

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • financial planning
  • personal development
  • cultural assimilation

Key Concepts

social mobility materialism education gap

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does self‑interest shape life choices?
  • What role does education play in achieving ambition?
A Different Perspective

Her limited education may hinder her aspirations.

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