# XLIII: The World Turns Flatterer: An Eye in the Dark explained — Sister Carrie

> Chapter companion for Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Carrie, now living comfortably alone, begins to gain recognition as an actress. She receives her first newspaper notice, earns a steady salary, and eventually becomes the unexpected star of a burlesque through her unique frown. The manager offers her a new contract at $150 a week. Meanwhile, Hurstwood, destitute in a cheap hotel, reads of her success and resolves not to bother her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Desire

Carrie's longing for recognition and fame intensifies as she reads notices and dreams of having her picture in the papers, driving her to excel in her role.

### Social Class and Mobility

Carrie's rise from poverty to a $150-a-week salary contrasts sharply with Hurstwood's descent into destitution, highlighting the fluidity of social class.

### Materialism and Consumption

Carrie's new income leads her to buy pretty clothes and trinkets, and she finds her purse 'bursting with good green bills,' illustrating the allure of material wealth.

## Character check-ins

### Caroline Meeber

Carrie enjoys her new independence, receives her first newspaper notice, and becomes a hit in the burlesque through her comedic frown. She signs a new contract for $150 a week.

### George Hurstwood

Hurstwood, now living in a third-rate Bleecker Street hotel, reads of Carrie's success and resolves not to bother her, though he feels a mix of pride and resignation.

### Lola

Lola, Carrie's friend and fellow chorus girl, offers encouragement and shares her own experience of having her picture in the paper.

### Harry Quincel

The author of the skit prepares a little song for Carrie to sing the following week after her success.

## Key lines

> The part of Katisha, the country maid, in The Wives of Abdul at the Broadway, heretofore played by Inez Carew, will be hereafter filled by Carrie Madenda, one of the cleverest members of the chorus.

Carrie sees a newspaper notice announcing that she will take over the role of Katisha in the opera, calling her one of the most talented chorus members.

_This is Carrie's first public recognition as an actress._

> Miss Madenda presents one of the most delightful bits of character work ever seen on the Casino stage

A critic praises Carrie's performance as one of the most charming character portrayals ever at the Casino Theatre.

_The critic's review solidifies Carrie's success and popularity._

> I guess she's struck it

Hurstwood realizes that Carrie has achieved success and wealth.

_Hurstwood's reaction reflects his own failure and resignation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters/xliii-the-world-turns-flatterer-an-eye-in-the-dark
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sister_carrie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sister_carrie_se/chapters