Top 100 Literature Essay Topics - 2023

The representation of the American small town in “Main Street” by Sinclair Lewis

In "Main Street," Sinclair Lewis presents a scathing critique of the American small town, exposing the hypocrisy, narrow-mindedness, and conformity that he saw as endemic to these communities. Through his use of artistic details and images, Lewis creates a vivid and powerful portrait of a world in which individuality is suppressed and social norms are rigidly enforced.

The novel is set in the fictional town of Gopher Prairie, Minnesota, and the title itself is an ironic reference to the fact that there is nothing particularly "main street" about the town. The town is depicted as a place of stultifying conformity and unimaginative conformity, where the residents are more concerned with maintaining the status quo than with pursuing their own dreams or aspirations.

One of the key themes of the novel is the tension between tradition and modernity. The town is deeply rooted in the past, and the residents are resistant to change or progress of any kind. This is exemplified in the character of Carol Milford, a young woman from the East who marries a local doctor and moves to Gopher Prairie. Carol is an educated and independent woman who chafes against the strict social norms of the town and longs for a more fulfilling life.

Lewis uses a range of artistic details and images to depict the stifling atmosphere of the town. The physical landscape is described as flat and featureless, with a "bleak and ugly" appearance. The town itself is portrayed as a place of uniformity and conformity, with identical houses and stores lining the streets.

The novel also explores the tension between individualism and collectivism. The residents of Gopher Prairie are portrayed as fiercely committed to the social norms of the town, and anyone who deviates from these norms is viewed with suspicion or outright hostility. This is exemplified in the character of Mrs. Bogart, a widowed neighbor who is ostracized by the town because of her unconventional behavior.

Lewis uses a range of artistic techniques to highlight the suffocating conformity of the town. The residents are depicted as speaking in a uniform manner, using the same colloquialisms and expressions. The town itself is portrayed as a place of narrow-mindedness, where new ideas are rejected and outsiders are viewed with suspicion.

Throughout the novel, Lewis presents a bleak picture of small-town life, but he also suggests that there is a way out of this stifling environment. The character of Carol Milford embodies the potential for individualism and creativity, and her struggle to find a place in the town reflects the broader tension between tradition and modernity.

In conclusion, "Main Street" by Sinclair Lewis presents a powerful critique of the American small town, exposing the conformity, narrow-mindedness, and hypocrisy that he saw as endemic to these communities. Through his use of artistic details, images, and characters, Lewis creates a vivid and nuanced portrayal of a world in which individualism is suppressed and social norms are rigidly enforced. The novel remains a timeless masterpiece of American literature, a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision and social critique.