The Hansons talk of sending her back to Columbia City, but she is determined to remain in Chicago. Finally, the combination of long hours, hard work, and inadequate clothing causes Carrie to become ill and she loses her job. Because the flat is so small, Carrie is unable to invite Drouet to visit.Īs the cold winter sets in, Carrie finds that it is impossible to keep up the hard work at the factory. Minnie points out to Carrie that after paying four dollars for room and board, she will hardly have enough money left for carfare. The Hansons disapprove of her wish to go to the theater. Her hopes are somewhat dampened when she finally obtains a job in a shoe factory at four and a half dollars a week.Ĭarrie realizes that she must abandon some of her more ambitious and fantastic plans. She imagines herself part of the great swirl of activity in the city. It is thought that Carrie will pay for her room and board in order to help the Hansons reduce expenses.Ĭarrie is thrilled by the prospect of finding work in Chicago. The couple plan to have Carrie live with them while she works in the city. The two girls travel to the flat where Minnie lives with her husband Sven and their baby. When the train arrives in Chicago, she and Drouet make plans to meet again the following week so that he can show her the sights of the city.Ĭarrie is met at the station by her sister Minnie Hanson.

He seems to her the epitome of wealth and influence. Shy at first, she is warmed and made confident by Drouet's easy manner and flashy clothes. On the long train ride she meets a handsome young traveling salesman named Charles Drouet. Filled with fears, tears, and regrets, she is nonetheless determined to make her way in the big city. In August, 1889, Caroline Meeber boards the train at her family home in Columbia City and travels to Chicago.

Dreiser theodore sister carrie