Sister Carrie, Chapter 11 summary
Chapter 11 of 47 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Carrie improves her dress and manners through imitation, but Drouet fails to understand the sadness that music awakens in her. Hurstwood becomes attracted to her and arranges a theater outing, where his attention and polish make Drouet seem less impressive to Carrie.
What happens
- Carrie cannot surrender her fine clothes, and Drouet encourages her interest in beauty while praising other women’s movements.
- Mrs. Hale shapes Carrie’s social outlook, while a neighboring music student provides another model of graceful behavior.
- Music brings Carrie to tears, but Drouet’s suggestion that they dance exposes his failure to understand her feelings.
- Hurstwood admires Carrie and begins treating Drouet as a rival after seeing him dine with another woman.
- Carrie abandons her arrangement with Mrs. Hale to attend the theater with Drouet and Hurstwood.
- Hurstwood’s manner and attention captivate Carrie, whose admiration for Drouet declines during the performance.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Drouet’s offer to dance fails to answer Carrie’s sadness. Her recognition of this emotional distance helps explain why his kindness no longer seems enough.
Quick check
Why does Carrie give up her planned evening with Mrs. Hale?
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