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Sister Carrie "A Strangely Strong Novel in a Queer Milieu"

Curated by Nancy M. Shawcross Rare Book & Manuscript Library University of Pennsylvania

Joseph Jefferson and Rip Van Winkle

Napoleon Sarony
Photographs of Joseph Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle
New York

"Did you ever see Jefferson?" he [Hurstwood] questioned, as he leaned toward Carrie in the box.
"I never did," she returned.
"He's delightful, delightful," he went on, giving the commonplace rendition of approval which such men know. He sent Drouet after a programme, and then discoursed to Carrie concerning Jefferson as he had heard of him. The former was pleased beyond expression, and was really hypnotised by the environment, the trappings of the box, the elegance of her companion.
--From Chapter XI of Sister Carrie

Along with Dion Boucicault, Joseph Jefferson adapted Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving for the stage; he began appearing in it in 1865.

Napoleon Sarony
Photograph of Joseph Jefferson

Mora
Photograph of Dion Boucicault

When dining, it was a source of keen satisfaction to him [Drouet] to know that Joseph Jefferson was wont to come to this same place, or that Henry E. Dixie, a well-known performer of the day, was only a few tables off. At Rector's he could always obtain this satisfaction, for there one could encounter politicians, brokers, actors, some rich young "rounders" of the town, all eating and drinking amid a buzz of popular commonplace conversation.
--From Chapter V of Sister Carrie

"How was the play?" she [Mrs. Hurstwood] inquired.
"Very good," returned Hurstwood, "only it's the same old thing, Rip Van Winkle'."
--From Chapter XII of Sister Carrie

Additional images of Joseph Jefferson can be found in the
Philip H. Ward Collection of Theatrical Images, 1856-1910

Stage-struck
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