from Main Street by Sinclair Lewis

Question

use.
ousness at every concrete crossing, every hitching-post, d to each house she devoted all her speculation. What ? How would they look six months from now? In which ing? Which of these people whom she passed, now mere clothes, would turn into intimates, loved or dreaded, r people in the world?
small business-section she inspected a broad-beamed ho was bending over the apples and celery on a slanted ore. Would she ever talk to him? What would he say if I am Mrs. Kennicott, Some day I hope to confide that a s pumpkins as a window-display doesn't exhilarate me
Frederick F. Ludelmeyer, whose market is at the corner
• Avenue. In supposing that only she was observant d by the indifference of cities. She fancied that she was ts invisible; but when she had passed, Mr. Ludelmeyer coughed at his clerk, "I seen a young woman, she come at she is Doc Kennicott's new bride, I wonder will she to Howland & Gould's more as she does here, what you Fluffed Oats?")
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ked for thirty-two minutes she had completely covered
16
Hellams,
How does the description of the setting in paragraph 6 contribute to a theme in the excerpt?
@ The abundance of land displays the wealth of the rural residents.
® The exposure to the elements mimics the main character's struggle to be accepted in a new place.
© The quaintness of the small town belies a bustling and supportive community.
@ The starkness of the prairie illuminates a sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Answer 1

The description of the setting in paragraph 6 contributes to the theme of isolation and vulnerability experienced by the main character. The starkness of the prairie, with its open spaces and the detail of the main character observing the small town and its residents, emphasizes her feelings of being an outsider in a new environment. This vast, exposed landscape mirrors her struggle to find a sense of belonging and connection in a place where she is still unfamiliar with the people and social dynamics. The setting thus enhances the themes of alienation and the search for acceptance in a seemingly indifferent society. Therefore, the correct answer is:

@ The starkness of the prairie illuminates a sense of isolation and vulnerability.