Winesburg, Ohio
by Sherwood Anderson
Winesburg, Ohio: A Group of Tales of Ohio Small-Town Life is a critically acclaimed work of fiction by the American author Sherwood Anderson. The book, published in 1919, is a collection of related short stories, which could be loosely defined as a novel. The stories are centered on the protagonist George Willard and the fictional inhabitants of the town of Winesburg, Ohio.
Source: Anderson, S. (1919) Winesburg, Ohio. New York, NY: B.W. Huebsch.
- Introduction by Irving Howe
- Introduction to the book by Irving Howe.
- The Book of the Grotesque
- An aging writer ponders the many people he has met and the stories he has heard in his lifetime.
- Hands, concerning Wing Biddlebaum
- The story of Wing Biddlebaum, a man with few friends who experienced a horrible ordeal earlier in his life.
- Paper Pills, concerning Doctor Reefy
- The story of Dr. Reefy and his brief, but happy marriage to a much younger woman.
- Mother, concerning Elizabeth Willard
- An infuriated Elizabeth Williard devises a plan, but succumbs to fatigue before she can carry it out.
- The Philosopher, concerning Doctor Parcival
- Doctor Parcival tells George of his past in Dayton, Ohio and shares the secret of human life.
- Nobody Knows, concerning Louise Trunnion
- George's visit with Louise Trunnion fills him with a sense of pride and embarrassment.
- Godliness, a Tale in Four Parts: Part 1, concerning Jesse Bentley
- The Civil War brings many changes to Jesse Bentley's life,
- Godliness, a Tale in Four Parts: Part 2, also concerning Jesse Bentley
- Many years later, Jesse is visited by his grandson.
- Godliness, a Tale in Four Parts: Part 3, Surrender, concerning Louise Bentley
- The tale of Louise Bentley, her marriage to John Hardy and the birth of her only child.
- Godliness, a Tale in Four Parts: Part 4, Terror, concerning David Hardy
- David, now fifteen, is once again frightened by his grandfather's strange behavior.
- A Man of Ideas, concerning Joe Welling
- Joe Welling uses his natural talents to achieve success in Winesburg.
- Adventure, concerning Alice Hindman
- Alice Hindman continues to pine for her past lover.
- Respectability, concerning Wash Williams
- After encountering George on the street, Wash Williams feels compelled to tell his story to the young reporter.
- The Thinker, concerning Seth Richmond
- The story of Seth Richmond and his friendship with George Willard.
- Tandy, concerning Tandy Hard
- How Tandy Hard comes by her name.
- The Strength of God, concerning the Reverend Curtis Hartman
- The Reverend finds himself tempted by sin.
- The Teacher, concerning Kate Swift
- Kate, captivated by George, pays him a visit.
- Loneliness, concerning Enoch Robinson
- The story of Enoch Robinson and his attempt to lead a normal life.
- An Awakening, concerning Belle Carpenter
- George's attempt to impress Belle Carpenter is unexpectedly interrupted.
- "Queer", concerning Elmer Cowley
- Elmer, feeling isolated and unhappy, lashes out at George.
- The Untold Lie, concerning Ray Pearson
- Hal Winter's situation causes a brief feeling of bitterness to overcome Ray Pearson.
- Drink, concerning Tom Foster
- An intoxicated Tom Foster has a conversation with George Willard.
- Death, concerning Doctor Reefy and Elizabeth Willard
- As her life comes to a close, Elizabeth Willard shares her life experiences with Doctor Reefy.
- Sophistication, concerning Helen White
- George Willard experiences "a moment of sophistication" and sets out to find Helen White.
- Departure, concerning George Willard
- George prepares to leave Winesburg.