Body Politics in Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie

Abstract

This research work examines the prevalent domination of women's body and their uprising tone of protest against the male centered society in Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie. The female characters like Carrie, Minnie, Julia, Jessica and their bodily experience crystallize the actual domination of patriarchy. The passivity and dominant role of conscious women characters excavates the domination of patriarchy and resistance of women against this animalistic behaviour. These female members are the victim of forced marriage. They do not feel secure even when they are in their family. The female body is taken as a means of sexual entertainment and is exploited uncaring female wishes and feelings by their husband and family members. Hence, acknowledging their misuse of own body, the characters run away from home, leave their husband and while others kill themselves. This novel digs out the dominating nature of patriarchy and their strong challenge to the patriarchal norms and values through their radical action or by utilizing their body: a site of domination and resistance at the same time.