Tuesday, August 10, 2010

And Where Beauty Leads, There It Follows

In preparation for my upcoming move to Chicago, I have been immersing myself in some of Chicago's finest literature, most recently Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie.
The heart-wrenching novel initially appealed to me because of its premise: small town midwestern girl moves to the big city. Indeed, I found myself identifying with Carrie's overwhelmed approach to the city. The more I read about all Chicago has to offer, the more excited and daunted I become.
Of course, I don't intend to settle with a Drouet or to run away with a Hurstwood, but perhaps my cozy room in the Gold Coast might offer the same comfort that Carrie initially feels in regards to her apartment with Drouet in Ogden Place. I certainly hope I am not inspired, whether forcibly or not, to depart Chicago on the arm of Hurstwood and settle in New York. Firstly, unlike Carrie, I do not possess dramatic aspirations, and secondly, I think Chicago is a big enough city for me right now.
Indeed, while Carrie's adventure ends in fame and fortune, I do not seek so much. I can only hope upon reaching Chicago in pursuit of beauty I, too, may dream of "such happiness as you may never feel."

No comments:

Post a Comment