# XXXV explained — Main Street

> Chapter companion for Main Street by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Carol returns to Gopher Prairie after her time in Washington, D.C., and gradually resigns herself to the town's provincialism, finding a measure of contentment in her domestic life and community activities.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conformity vs. Individuality

Carol's return and acceptance of Gopher Prairie life illustrates the tension between her individual desires and the pressure to conform to small-town norms.

### The American Dream and Materialism

Carol's eventual contentment with her home and family reflects the material and social aspirations of the American Dream in a small-town setting.

## Character check-ins

### Carol Kennicott

Returns to Gopher Prairie and begins to accept her life there, focusing on her home and son Hugh.

### Dr. Will Kennicott

Welcomes Carol back and supports her adjustment to life in Gopher Prairie.

### Hugh Kennicott

Carol's son, who becomes a central focus of her domestic life upon her return.

## Key lines

> She had won freedom, but she had lost the desire to use it.

Carol achieved independence but no longer felt the urge to act on it.

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

## Links

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