Window Pain

Window Pain



The symbolism throughout Theodore Dreiser’s novel, Sister Carrie, parallels the relationship that the character of Carrie Meber has to society. The train in which she arrives in Chicago transitions Carrie to society where she struggles to find work. Peering through the large plates of window of the manufacturing houses as she walks along the river side street looking for employment describes her social status and her lack of impact on society. The window serves as a barrier to financial gain, a job, and she also sees the ground floor offices in a “distinguished and prosperous look” (15). Desperately wanting to find employment, she lands a job at a significantly lower wage then she had anticipated. The wages are so poor, that after paying rent, Carrie cannot afford to pay fare for the streetcar to or from work. She has an insignificant role in society.
Glass continues to be a barrier; this time Carrie passes along the aisle of a department...