# XXXII explained — Main Street

> Chapter companion for Main Street by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Carol returns to Gopher Prairie after a year in Washington, D.C., having gained a new perspective on the town. She finds the people unchanged but feels a sense of acceptance and belonging, deciding to stay and make the best of her life there.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conformity vs. Individuality

Carol's return signifies a compromise between her individual desires and the conformity expected by the town.

### The American Dream and Materialism

Carol's acceptance of Gopher Prairie reflects a redefinition of the American Dream, finding contentment in community rather than material success.

## Character check-ins

### Carol Kennicott

Returns to Gopher Prairie after a year away, feeling a new sense of acceptance and deciding to stay.

### Will Kennicott

Greets Carol at the train station and is pleased with her decision to return.

### Hugh Kennicott

Carol's son, who has grown during her absence and is excited to see her.

## Key lines

> She had been gone a year. She had come back to Gopher Prairie. She had come back to stay.

After a year away, Carol has returned to Gopher Prairie with the intention of remaining there permanently.

_Highlights Carol's decision to settle in the town._

> She was not sure but that she was content.

Carol feels a sense of contentment, though she is not entirely certain of it.

_Reflects Carol's ambivalent acceptance of her life in Gopher Prairie._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/main_street_se/chapters/xxxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/main_street_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/main_street_se/chapters