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THE ROLE OF ARTISTIC DETAIL IN SINCLAIR LEWIS’ NOVEL "MAIN STREET"
Ibrohimova Bahora Sharof kizi
School No.26, Yakkasaroy district, Tashkent city
Abstract:
This article explores the use of artistic detail in Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street,
emphasizing its significance in depicting the themes of social conformity, individual struggle,
and feminist ideals. By focusing on the artistic portrayal of the setting, character development,
and literary devices, the study highlights how Lewis’ meticulous descriptions contribute to the
novel’s critique of small-town life and societal norms. The research further examines how
artistic details serve as a tool for social commentary, offering a lens into the emotional and
psychological conflicts within the protagonist, Carol Kennicott. By employing rich and
deliberate descriptions, Lewis not only constructs a vivid picture of life in early 20th-century
America but also critiques the societal structures that suppress individuality and intellectual
growth.
Kеywоrds:
Artistic detail, Main Street, Sinclair Lewis, conformity, feminism, symbolism,
literary criticism, setting, character development, small-town America, social stagnation, realism
INTRОDUСTIОN
Sinclair Lewis' novel Main Street (1920) is a seminal work in American literature,
renowned for its realistic portrayal of small-town life and its critique of social conformity. Lewis
employs artistic detail as a key literary device to paint a vivid picture of Gopher Prairie, the
fictional setting of the novel, where Carol Kennicott struggles to assert her individuality in an
environment resistant to change. Through his intricate use of descriptive language, Lewis
immerses readers in the atmosphere of the town, making them feel the stagnation and rigidity
that define its social order. The use of artistic detail extends beyond mere description, serving as
a powerful instrument to reflect Carol’s internal struggle and her evolving perception of her
surroundings.
This article aims to analyze the role of artistic details in shaping the novel’s themes,
character arcs, and social critique. It delves into how Lewis’ meticulous descriptions serve not
only to set the scene but also to convey deeper thematic messages about social norms, gender
roles, and resistance to change.
MАTЕRIАLS АND MЕTHОDS
Lewis meticulously constructs Gopher Prairie as a character in its own right, reflecting
the stagnation and monotony of small-town life. The descriptions of the town’s architecture,
streets, and social spaces underscore the uniformity and resistance to change that Carol seeks to
challenge. For example, Lewis’ portrayal of the town square, with its utilitarian buildings and
lack of aesthetic appeal, mirrors the emotional and intellectual stagnation of its residents. The
stores, homes, and streets are described in a way that suggests lifelessness, emphasizing how the
town’s rigid values stifle any efforts for progress.
The town’s physical environment is used as a symbol of the broader social attitudes that
dominate Gopher Prairie. The bleakness of the streets, the drab color of the buildings, and the
overall absence of artistic or cultural expressions all reinforce the central theme of conformity.
Carol’s initial idealistic perception of the town gradually deteriorates as she begins to notice its
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1211
physical and ideological limitations, making the setting an integral aspect of her journey of
disillusionment.
RЕSULTS АND DISСUSSIОN
Carol Kennicott’s aspirations and frustrations are vividly illustrated through Lewis’ use
of descriptive imagery. Her idealistic view of transforming Gopher Prairie into a cultural hub is
contrasted with her growing realization of the town’s deeply ingrained conservatism. Lewis
presents Carol as a dynamic character whose internal conflicts are often mirrored in the external
world. For instance, her struggles with fitting in are reflected in her attempts to redecorate her
house, an act that symbolizes her desire to reshape the town in her vision.
Lewis uses small but significant artistic details to illustrate Carol’s emotional state. Her
mannerisms, her fashion choices, and her reactions to the town’s resistance to change are all
described in intricate detail. By doing so, Lewis allows readers to fully grasp her frustration,
hope, and eventual resignation. Even Carol’s div language—her sighs, her moments of
hesitation, and her attempts to feign enthusiasm—serves as an artistic tool to communicate her
internal struggles.
Lewis employs artistic detail not only for realism but also for symbolism. The decaying
buildings, rigid town customs, and repetitive social routines all act as metaphors for broader
societal stagnation. Carol’s failed attempts to introduce progressive ideas, such as organizing
women’s study clubs and advocating for modern architecture, highlight the resistance to change
embedded in small-town values.
The townspeople’s interactions are also rich with symbolic meaning. Their predictable
conversations, their reluctance to question traditions, and their quickness to dismiss anything
unfamiliar all serve as extensions of the town’s overall rigidity. Through his keen observations
and detailed descriptions, Lewis constructs an environment where social stagnation is not just a
backdrop but an active force working against Carol’s ambitions.
Additionally, Main Street uses artistic details to emphasize gender roles. Carol’s
experiences in Gopher Prairie illustrate the struggle of women seeking intellectual and personal
freedom in a world that values conformity. The descriptions of domestic life, the expectations
placed upon married women, and the casual dismissals of Carol’s opinions all contribute to the
novel’s critique of gender inequality.
Lewis presents Carol as a modern, independent woman challenging patriarchal norms.
Through detailed descriptions of Carol’s intellectual pursuits, conversations, and moments of
isolation, Lewis critiques the limitations imposed on women in early 20th-century America. The
contrast between Carol’s vibrant, imaginative aspirations and the dull, conventional expectations
placed upon her underscores the feminist undertones of the novel.
Carol’s interactions with other women in Gopher Prairie further highlight the struggles of
female agency in a conservative society. Lewis describes these women in a way that reflects
their social conditioning—some are content with their roles, while others, like Carol, yearn for
something greater but feel trapped. The artistic details of their clothing, expressions, and speech
patterns contribute to the novel’s broader commentary on societal expectations of women.
Sinclair Lewis’ novels Babbitt, Arrowsmith, and Main Street, the use of artistic detail
serves as a vital means through which the internal and external worlds of his characters are
illuminated. Through his meticulous attention to setting, dialogue, and the nuances of everyday
life, Lewis creates a vivid image that reflects the contradictions, struggles, and aspirations of
early 20th-century America. His ability to render the mundane with precision allows for a deeper
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1212
understanding of the social and psychological forces at play, while also elevating the seemingly
trivial aspects of life into powerful symbols of larger cultural critiques.
СОNСLUSIОN
The artistic details in Main Street serve a dual purpose: they enhance the realism of the
narrative while reinforcing its thematic depth. Lewis’ meticulous attention to setting, character
portrayal, and symbolism enables a nuanced critique of social conformity, gender roles, and the
struggle for individuality. By employing rich and deliberate descriptions, Lewis transforms Main
Street from a simple tale of small-town life into a powerful social commentary that remains
relevant in literary discourse today.
Through artistic detail, Lewis provides a deep and immersive look into the life and
struggles of Carol Kennicott, making Main Street not just a story of one woman’s
disillusionment, but a broader critique of American society’s reluctance to embrace progress and
change.
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