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 * Sherwood Anderson by Taylor Griffith Jones**

 Using my two books and database resources, I have discovered that Sherwood Anderson, through his writing, is trying to show the loneliness and unhappiness of rural American life. Through stories such as his most famous work __Winesburg, Ohio__, Anderson portrays small town American life as unfulfilling, while also discussing the psychological aspect of living in the middle of nowhere. The fictional town of Winesburg is based upon Anderson’s actual hometown of Clyde, Ohio which was obviously a large influence in his career. The childhood of Anderson was extremely rough on Anderson, as his father was an alcoholic and he dropped out of school very early. This tough upbringing surely helped create the town of Winesburg in Anderson’s mind. The town itself is depressing and described as “not a goal or an end in itself for its people; rather it was a way station, a place to which one came to find refuge or to await an opportunity to move on, or conversely, a place in which one was forced by circumstances to live and die alone”(Bloom 19). Anderson also looked to define the evils of urban life, as he lived and worked in Chicago as an adult for some time. Some people believe that Anderson’s time in Chicago also helped influence his deeper appreciation of rural life, however boring it was.  A pattern in Sherwood Anderson’s work is that of his vision of life as despairing but countered by his sense of wonder towards it. The database article from Student Resource Center Gold states Anderson’s stories “capture the essence of people divided by insensitivity, convention, circumstance, and personal weakness, who are joined but briefly by love, sympathy, and shared moments of spiritual epiphany.” Through his work, Anderson is attempting to discuss both life in small town America and the wonders and emotions of life. Many of his stories during the 1920s discuss the urge of people to escape the repetition of small town life, yet other stories look to showcase the underside of life in industrialized American cities.  Sherwood Anderson’s work is a reflection of the time period he lived in (1876-1941) because he discusses how agrarian life in America was dying away and industrialization was everywhere. Much of his writing came in the 1920s when America was engrossed in the “Roaring Twenties”, so his stories of urban life was prevalent for the time. Although his depressing view of life did not really fit into the lifestyles of many in the 1920s, the heavy corruption and fraud during the time period could be related to Anderson’s works. Anderson’s writing style fit much better into the 1930s lifestyle of Americans, as people experienced the Great Depression and many of the emotions expressed in his work. Even Anderson’s last major work __Death in the Woods__ reflected the times as it sold very poorly and caused him to write very little during the end of his life.  Sherwood Anderson’s work contributed to America and humanity by delving into the life of both rural and industrial citizens and exposing the emotions that come along with each. His wonderful way with words is now fully appreciated as many scholars and researchers write about and discuss his work in abundance. Anderson’s work helps many people relate to their own lives and is truly a gift to the reading world.

   "Anderson, Sherwood (1876-1941)". DISCovering Authors. Online ed. Detroit:Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center-Gold. Gale. Fuquay-Varina High School/WCPS/.20May.2008. [|http://www.galenet.com/servlet/srcx The database Student Resource Center-Gold produced "Anderson, Sherwood (1876-1941)" from DISCovering Authors. The article covers Sherwood Anderson's life growing up and discusses his writing style through many quotes. The article is organized by introduction, personal info, awards, career, and works. I plan on using the information from this source by describing Anderson's recurring themes and writing style. I believe that the article is a fantastic source of information which goes deeply into the unique aspects of Sherwood Anderson. I would recommend this database to students who want to know the complete low-down on Sherwood Anderson and understand the type of writer he was.

Bloom, Harold. __Sherwood Anderson__. Pennsylvania: Chelsea House Publishers, 2003.

The book __Sherwood Anderson__ by Harold Bloom features critiques and themes of many stories written by Sherwood Anderson. The book's table of contents is divided up by the specific story that is being discussed and includes a plot summary, list of characters, and multiple critical views for each. I plan on using the information from this source to help analyze Sherwood Anderson's themes and opinions reflected in his writing. I believe that the amount and level of content offered was excellent and described each story in great detail. I would recommend this book to other students because it will help you fully understand each story and includes excellent reviews of them.

Burbank, Rex. __Sherwood Anderson__. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1964.

The book __Sherwood Anderson__ by Rex Burbank contains detailed background and analysis on Sherwood Anderson. The book's table of contents contains a chronology, references and notes while listing influences, genres, and critiques of Anderson's works. I plan on using the information from this source for descriptions of how Anderson was influenced in his writing. I believe that the amount and level of information was adequate and went into great detail. I would recommend this book to other students who are looking for every inch of information on Sherwood Anderson.

Campbell, Hilbert H. "A Storyteller and a City: Sherwood Anderson's Chicago." __American Literature__. Durham; Duke University Press, 61;2, 302-303.

The database Literary Reference Center produced "A Storyteller and a City: Sherwood Anderson's Chicago" from __American Literature__. The review discusses how the book suggests urban Chicago may have influenced Sherwood Anderson's writing. The review is organized roughly by chronological order of Anderson's life. I plan on using the information from this source by discussing how the period of urban life Anderson experienced may have influenced his writing. I believe that the review probably should have gone into more detail of the book and explained a little more about Anderson. I would recommend this database to students who wish to discover any inconsistencies or influences of Sherwood Anderson.