Episode 83: Vermilion, mirth, expostulate, and more

Published in 1900, 'Sister Carrie' by Theodore Dreiser is a seminal work of American naturalism. The novel tells the story of Carrie Meeber, an 18-year-old woman who moves from a small town in Wisconsin to Chicago and later New York City, where she transforms from a struggling factory worker into a successful actress. The narrative also follows George Hurstwood, a married man who runs away with Carrie, only to descend into poverty and despair. The book is a powerful commentary on the American Dream, the pitfalls of capitalism, and the changing roles of women in society. It is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of urban life, highlighting themes of ambition, morality, and the determinism of social and economic forces.