Sister Carrie · Chapter
XXXIX: Of Lights and of Shadows: The Parting of Worlds explained
Carrie's growing desire for fine clothes and independence strains her relationship with Hurstwood, who becomes increasingly dependent on her earnings.
What happens
Carrie's growing desire for fine clothes and independence strains her relationship with Hurstwood, who becomes increasingly dependent on her earnings. She begins to neglect dinner preparations, spending time with new chorus friend Lola Osborne and going on drives with young men. Hurstwood sinks into apathy as Carrie drifts away, and she receives a promotion to lead the chorus line.
Themes in this chapter
Materialism and Consumption
Carrie's desire for fine clothes and ornaments intensifies as she compares herself to better-dressed chorus girls, driving her resentment toward Hurstwood.
Poverty and Survival
Hurstwood's descent into complete dependence on Carrie's earnings and his careful management of small sums illustrates the grinding reality of urban poverty.
Gender and Independence
Carrie begins to assert her independence by neglecting domestic duties and seeking social freedom, while Hurstwood's passive masculinity erodes his authority.
Characters to notice
- Caroline Meeber
Grows resentful of supporting Hurstwood, seeks relief in social outings with chorus girls and young men, and receives a promotion to lead the chorus line.
- George Hurstwood
Becomes entirely dependent on Carrie's earnings, sinks into apathy and bitterness, and passively watches Carrie drift away from him.
- Lola
A friendly chorus girl who befriends Carrie, introduces her to young men, and encourages her to neglect dinner hours for social outings.
- Miss Osborne
Lola Osborne, the blue-eyed soldier of the golden helmet, becomes Carrie's close friend and companion in neglecting home duties.
Key passages
“What Hurstwood got as the result of this determination was more self-assurance that each particular day was not the day.”
Hurstwood's resolve only convinced him further that today was not the day to find work.
Illustrates Hurstwood's self-deception and procrastination in seeking employment.
“She felt as if hard thoughts were unjust. Maybe he would get something yet. He had no vices.”
Carrie felt guilty for her resentment, thinking that Hurstwood might still find work since he wasn't a drinker or gambler.
Shows Carrie's internal conflict between sympathy and growing frustration.
“The sight of him always around in his untidy clothes and gloomy appearance drove Carrie to seek relief in other places.”
Hurstwood's constant presence, shabby dress, and depressed demeanor pushed Carrie to spend time away from home.
Highlights the emotional and physical distance growing between them.