Loneliness in Winesburg, Ohio By Sherwood Anderson

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in "Loneliness": the first sub-theme involves the conflict between modernism and traditionalism; the thin line between reality and imagination in the thoughts and behavior of the main character; and the conflict between conformity/conventionalism and non-conformity/conventionalism. This paper will analyze each sub-theme and relate these conflicts into the primary theme of loneliness in Anderson's "Loneliness." Further, these themes will be supported by passages from the story in order to incorporate these themes in accordance to the author's depiction of the theme of "Loneliness" in "Winesburg, Ohio."

The first theme that is evident in "Loneliness" is the difference and conflict between modernism and traditionalism, which happens when Enoch seeks to educate himself in the modern city of New York as he plans to be a popular and acclaimed artist. Traditionalism is shown in his life in Ohio, wherein Enoch is described as a quiet but intelligent boy who is too preoccupied with his ...

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within himself, leaving him dissatisfied about his own capabilities and skills, which resulted to his loneliness about his life and the people around him, whether in New York or in Ohio.

The second sub-theme involves Enoch's inability to differentiate between imaginary or real things and situations. Enoch has created in him his personal world, wherein he was able to cope with the dissatisfaction that he feels whenever he is around people that makes him feel uncomfortable and disappointed. Take as an example the part in the story wherein Enoch had stopped inviting his friends over to his room in Washington Square as he began to realize the shallowness of the views and opinions ...

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