'I Want to Know Why' by Sherwood Anderson
'I Want to Know Why' by Sherwood Anderson
Q.-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?
Answer:
In "I Want to Know Why," we follow a young boy's journey from innocence to disillusionment. At first, he's just a Kentucky kid, crazy about horses and dreaming of becoming a jockey. But as he sets off with his friends to see a big horse race, his world gets shaken up.
He's mesmerized by Sunstreak, a stallion he idolizes, and he shares a deep connection with the horse's trainer, Jerry Tillford. But when he witnesses Tillford's involvement with a brothel, everything changes. Suddenly, the purity and beauty he saw in the horses and their trainer are tainted by the ugliness of human desires.
The boy's perception of the world shifts dramatically. He's no longer the innocent kid who just loves horses. Now he's grappling with complex emotions—confusion, anger, and betrayal. He's forced to confront the harsh realities of adulthood, where things aren't as simple or as pure as he once thought.
As he struggles to make sense of what he's seen, he realizes that growing up means facing uncomfortable truths and learning to navigate the complexities of life. And in the end, he's left with more questions than answers, wondering why people behave the way they do and longing for the innocence he's lost.
Through the protagonist's journey, we see how innocence can be shattered by the harsh realities of the world. But we also see the resilience of the human spirit, as the boy tries to make sense of his disillusionment and find his place in a world that's not always as beautiful as he once believed.
Q.-2.| Read the original story and prepare a visual story line.
Visual Story Line:
Q.-3.| What is your understanding of the concepts of individual desire and social expectations?
Answer:
Individual desire refers to the unique wants and wishes that each person has, based on their personal preferences, interests, and needs. In "I Want to Know Why" by Sherwood Anderson, the protagonist's individual desire is deeply rooted in his passion for thoroughbred horses and horse racing. Despite societal expectations and norms, he is drawn to the beauty, grace, and excitement of the racetrack environment. His desire to be a part of this world is strong, even though it may not align with what is expected of him by his family or community.
On the other hand, social expectations are the norms, values, and behaviors that society imposes on individuals, shaping their actions and decisions. In the story, the protagonist grapples with the tension between his individual desire to be involved in horse racing and the social expectations placed on him by his family and community. His father, a lawyer, may have certain expectations for his son's future, while other members of the community view gambling and associating with gamblers negatively.
The protagonist's struggle reflects a common theme in literature and life – the conflict between following one's own passions and conforming to societal norms. Despite his love for horses and the racetrack, he is torn between pursuing his individual desire and meeting the social expectations placed upon him. This internal conflict highlights the complexities of human nature and the challenges individuals face in navigating their own desires while also fitting into society.
Ultimately, the story raises questions about the balance between individual autonomy and social conformity. It prompts readers to consider how societal expectations can influence personal desires and whether it is possible to reconcile the two. The protagonist's journey serves as a reminder that understanding and navigating these tensions is an ongoing process, requiring self-reflection, introspection, and sometimes difficult choices.
Q.-4.| Reflect in your own words about the transition of your journey from childhood to adulthood.
Answer:
During my childhood, I loved playing a lot, which kept me healthy, but I didn't pay much attention to my studies. Then came mobile phones, and now I hardly play anymore, which isn't good for my health. Nowadays, I waste a lot of time procrastinating because of my phone. It feels like I've swapped outdoor fun for sitting around with my phone, where time slips away quickly. This has made me feel less energetic and focused, and I have a lot of things to do that I keep putting off. I wish I could find a balance between enjoying physical activities and avoiding too much screen time.