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Winesburg, Ohio

by Sherwood Anderson

Winesburg, Ohio

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.
  • Year Published: 1919
  • Language: English
  • Country of Origin: United States of America
  • Readability:
    • Flesch–Kincaid Level: 5.6
  • Word Count: 76,348
  • Genre: Realism
  • Keywords: 20th century literature, american literature, frustration, frustration. short stories, isolation, short stories, small-town life
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