美国文学简史常耀信版讲义7.pptVIP

Sinclair Lewis (1885~1951) – “the worst important writer in American literature” an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. In 1930, he became the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, for his vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humor, new types of characters. His works are known for their insightful and critical views of American society and capitalist values. Brief Introduction He is noted for a realistic portrayal about small-town life and middle-class characters. Major works: Main Street (1920) Babbitt (1922) Arrowsmith (1925) Brief Introduction Sinclair’s first novel gained him commercial success. As his biographer Mark Schorer wrote, the phenomenal success of Main Street was the most sensational event in twentieth-century American publishing history. and Main Street earned Sinclair Lewis about three million current dollars. Main Street Plot summary Carol Milford is a liberal, free-spirited metropolis-reared young woman, marries Will Kennicott, a doctor, a small-town boy at heart. When they marry, Will convinces her to live in his home-town of Gopher Prairie, Minnesota. Carol is appalled at the backwardness of Gopher Prairie. But her disdain for the towns physical ugliness and smug conservatism compels her to reform it. Main Street She speaks with its members about progressive changes, joins womens clubs, distributes literature, and holds parties to liven up Gopher Prairies inhabitants. Despite her friendly, but ineffective efforts, she is constantly derided by the leading cliques. In her unhappiness, Carol leaves her husband and moves for a time to Washington, D.C., but she eventually returns. Main Street Nevertheless, Carol does not feel defeated: I do not admit that Main Street is as beautiful as it should be! I do not admit that dish-washing is enough to satisfy all women! Carol is discontented with life in Gopher Prairie, but she finds that big city life also has