The Relationship between Free Will and Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces in Sister Carrie

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between free will and the concepts of centrifugal and centripetal forces in Theodore Dreiser's naturalist novel, Sister Carrie. As a work of naturalism, which is defined as an "extension or continuation of Realism with the addition of pessimistic determinism," the novel suggests that external forces severely curb a person's free will. The protagonist, Caroline Meeber (Sister Carrie), is presented as a submissive and passive character whose actions are mostly reactions to external forces, demonstrating the pessimistic feature of naturalism. Carrie is argued to possess a centrifugal force, which is a "mode of writing with a strong need to represent movement" and allows her to meet others and acquire traits that assist her personally. Her centrifugal nature, driven by a desire for material possessions and social power through "conspicuous consumption," makes her willing to be shaped by those who can satisfy her needs. Conversely, Hurstwood possesses an inherently centripetal force, which represents "the need to establish strong centers that serve as magnets for certain characters" and causes him to try and achieve his goals on his own terms. He seeks to attract characters with centrifugal force, like Carrie, often imposing himself to achieve the responses he desires. The characters' interactions are shown to be influenced by a variety of internal and external forces, including sexuality, a train, the rain, money, and winter.