How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[Money] was something that was power in itself. One of [Carrie's] order of mind would have been content to be cast away upon a desert island with a bundle of money, and only the long strain of starvation would have taught her that in some cases it could have no value. Even then she would have had no conception of the relative value of the thing; her one thought would, undoubtedly, have concerned the pity of having so much power and the inability to use it. (7.1)
Is Carrie really as dense about money as the narrator makes her out to be here? Or do her thoughts and actions in other parts of the novel actually support the narrator's remarks?
Quote #2
Curiously, she could not hold the money in her hand without feeling some relief. Even after all her depressing conclusions, she could sweep away all thought about the matter and then the twenty dollars seemed a wonderful and delightful thing. Ah, money, money, money! What a thing it was to have. How plenty of it would clear away all these troubles. (7.26)
Carrie just hit the jackpot. Does the fact that Carrie is given this money by Drouet influence her reaction to it?
Quote #3
Hurstwood's residence could scarcely be said to be infused with this home spirit […] There were soft rugs, rich, upholstered chairs and divans, a grand piano, a marble carving of some unknown Venus by some unknown artist, and a number of small bronze gathered from heaven knows where, but generally sold by the large furniture houses along with everything else which goes to make the 'perfectly appointed house.' (9.7)
It's pretty clear that this passage expresses a critique of excessive displays of wealth in that they fail to produce a warm "home spirit." But the repetition of the word unknown to describe the origins of those symbols of wealth on display here strengthens this critique even further, as it suggests the profound absence of meaning in these displays of wealth.
Quote #4
Fine clothes to [Carrie] were a vast persuasion; they spoke tenderly and Jesuitically for themselves. When she came within earshot of their pleading, desire in her bent a willing ear. The voice of the so-called inanimate! (11.1)
Uh… this is a little creepy: Carrie is hearing voices… from her clothes. And not only do they speak to her, but they speak tenderly and pleadingly. They have sophisticated rhetorical ability, we might say. This isn't your average instance of personification—or attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects. This is attributing some pretty advanced human capacities to a pair of designer boots, suggesting that the boots may be more powerful than some of the people who wear them.
Quote #5
Mrs. Hale loved to drive in the afternoon in the sun when it was fine, and to satisfy her soul with a sight of those mansions and lawns which she could not afford. (12.30)
Looking at this stuff satisfies Mrs. Hale's soul? LOL.
Quote #6
[Carrie] imagined that across these richly carved entrance-ways, where the globed and crystalled lamps shone upon paneled doors set with stained and designed panes of glass, was neither care nor unsatisfied desire. She was perfectly certain that here was happiness. (12.30)
Okay, so we know this is baloney that rich people's live are perfect, but is it really so terrible for Carrie to have all these illusions? What's the harm?
Quote #7
The whole street bore the flavours of riches and show, and Carrie felt that she was not of it. She could not, for the life of her, assume the attitude and smartness of Mrs. Vance, who, in her beauty, was all assurance. She could only imagine that it must be evident to many that she was the less handsomely dressed of the two. It cut her to the quick, and she resolved that she would not come here again until she looked better. At the same time she longed to feel the delight of parading here as an equal. Ah, then she would be happy! (31.56)
This passage reveals some of the damaging effects of Carrie's all-consuming desire for wealth. For example, it creates a rivalry between Carrie and her so-called fashionista friend Mrs. Vance that impedes her ability to form a genuine friendship. This is kind of a big thing given that Carrie is miserably lonely and lacking any sense of human connection at the end of the novel.
Quote #8
Once seated, there began that exhibition of showy, wasteful, and unwholesome gastronomy as practiced by wealthy Americans, which is the wonder and astonishment of true culture and dignity the world over. (32.73)
Oh, okay—so it's not wealthy people who behave like, well, pigs—it's wealthy Americans. Does the novel provide any insight into why that might be?
Quote #9
"I shouldn't care to be rich," [Ames] told [Carrie], as the dinner proceeded and the supply of food warmed up his sympathies; "not rich enough to spend my money this way." (32.103)
Okay, Ames, so you like to hate on all these wealthy people showing off their money, we get it. Just one little question for you, though: if you're so against these embarrassing displays of wealth, what on earth are you doing eating at this fancy restaurant? Did somebody say hypocrite?
Quote #10
It does not take money long to make plain its impotence, providing the desires are in the realm of affection. With her one hundred and fifty in hand, Carrie could think of nothing particularly to do. In itself, as a tangible, apparent thing which she could touch and look upon, it was a diverting thing for a few days, but this soon passed. (44.92)
The money that Carrie holds here no doubt reminds us of that much earlier moment in the novel when she holds in her hand the money Drouet gave her. Her reaction here is much different, though, so you might want to take a minute to compare these two moments. What's changed between then and now?