How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
On the morrow Carrie reported promptly and was given a place in the line […]. How hard she would try to be worthy of it. It was above the common mass, above idleness, above want, above insignificance. People came to it in finery and carriages to see. It was ever a centre of light and mirth. And here she was of it. (38.74)
Huh. It's curious that nowhere here is Carrie's love or passion for acting mentioned; all of the reasons she gives for being pleased at getting her part have to do with status.
Quote #8
She began to read the newspaper notices, not only of the opera in which she had so small a part, but of others. Gradually the desire for notice took hold of her. She longed to be renowned like others […]. (43.2)
Yeah, sure it would be cool to see yourself in all the newspapers, but this makes us wonder whether it's a passion for acting or the desire for attention that motivates Carrie's ambition.
Quote #9
In fine raiment and elegant surroundings, men seemed to be contented. Hence, she drew near these things. Chicago, New York; Drouet, Hurstwood; the world of fashion and the world of stage—these were but the incidents. Not them, but that which they represented, she longed for. Time proved the representation false. (47.119)
Does Carrie realize that what they represented was false, or is it just the narrator's revelation? How do we know?