I Want to Know Why by Sherwood Anderson

 

"I Want to Know Why" by Sherwood Anderson is a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into themes of disillusionment, the loss of innocence, and the harsh realities of life. The narrative follows a young boy, who, through his experiences at a racetrack, confronts the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of adult relationships.

One aspect worth analyzing is the boy's gradual disillusionment as he witnesses the cruelty and callousness of the horse racing world. Initially enamored by the glamour and excitement of the racetrack, he becomes increasingly disillusioned as he witnesses the mistreatment of the horses and the moral decay of the people involved in the sport. This disillusionment marks his transition from innocence to experience, as he begins to comprehend the harsh realities of the world around him.

Anderson skillfully portrays the boy's internal conflict as he grapples with his disillusionment and tries to make sense of the contradictions he observes. His desire to understand the motivations behind the actions of the people he encounters reflects a broader theme of the search for meaning and truth in a world filled with ambiguity and moral ambiguity.

Furthermore, the story explores the dynamics of power and control, particularly in the relationship between the boy and the jockeys. The boy's desire to assert his independence and autonomy is met with resistance from the jockeys, who seek to exert their authority over him. This power struggle underscores the broader theme of the loss of innocence and the transition to adulthood, as the boy navigates the complexities of human relationships and social hierarchies.

In conclusion, "I Want to Know Why" is a thought-provoking exploration of the loss of innocence and the search for meaning in a morally ambiguous world. Through its vivid imagery and compelling characters, the story invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of disillusionment and the complexities of human nature. Anderson's narrative mastery and nuanced exploration of universal themes ensure that "I Want to Know Why" remains a timeless and compelling work of literature.

Sherwood Anderson's novel "Winesburg, Ohio" is known for its exploration of several major themes and effective use of symbolism:

Major Themes:

In Sherwood Anderson's short story "I Want to Know Why," several major themes and symbols can be identified:

1. Coming of Age: The story revolves around a young boy's journey toward maturity and understanding. He grapples with the harsh realities of life and the disillusionment that comes with witnessing the brutal treatment of animals at a racetrack. His innocence is shattered as he confronts the darker aspects of the world.

2. Alienation and Disillusionment: The protagonist experiences a sense of alienation and disillusionment as he witnesses the callousness and cruelty of those around him, particularly the treatment of the horses. This alienation contributes to his growing awareness of the complexities and injustices of the adult world.

3. Violence and Brutality: The story vividly portrays the violence and brutality inherent in the world, particularly in the treatment of animals. The graphic depiction of the horse's death serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities that the protagonist must confront.

4. Symbolism of the Horse: The horse serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story, representing innocence, vulnerability, and the natural world. Its brutal treatment and eventual death symbolize the protagonist's loss of innocence and his confrontation with the harshness of reality.

5. Search for Meaning: The protagonist's quest to understand the reasons behind the horse's treatment reflects a deeper search for meaning and understanding in life. He grapples with existential questions about the nature of cruelty and the senselessness of suffering.

Overall, "I Want to Know Why" explores themes of coming of age, alienation, violence, and the search for meaning in a world marked by cruelty and injustice. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Sherwood Anderson crafts a poignant narrative that resonates with readers long after they have finished the story.

Task: 

1. Explore the protagonist's journey from innocence to disillusionment in "I Want to Know Why." How does his perception of the world change throughout the story?

2. Read the original story and prepare a visual story line.

3. What is your understanding of the concepts of individual desire and social expectations?

4. Reflect in your own words about the transition of your journey from childhood to adulthood.