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Sherwood Anderson's "I Want To Know Why" unfolds a narrative rich with the nuances of youthful passion and the inevitable clash with the harsh realities of adulthood. This poignant exploration delves into the life of an adolescent boy whose world revolves around racehorses, leading him on a journey from idealistic admiration to profound disillusionment. Let's dissect the layers of this compelling tale, examining the protagonist's encounters, his naive perspective, and the stark contrasts between youthful idealism and the gritty truths of the racetrack.
The narrative unfolds in Beckersville, Kentucky, a southern town grappling with the aftermath of slavery's abolition yet entrenched in racial disparities.
It is within this backdrop that Anderson weaves a tale of horseracing, where the fervor of the sport infuses life into the town during the spring. The juxtaposition of a seemingly ordinary town with the transient vibrancy of horseracing sets the stage for the protagonist's coming-of-age journey.
Our 15-year-old protagonist, driven by a simple yet unyielding passion for racehorses, eagerly anticipates the arrival of spring.
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The season heralds the presence of prominent horsemen in Beckersville, creating an atmosphere saturated with horseracing excitement. In a spontaneous and impulsive decision, the protagonist, fueled by his enthusiasm, embarks on a transformative trip to Saratoga in upstate New York with three friends. The objective: to witness a horse race and, more importantly, to be in the presence of his beloved racehorse, Sunstreak.
The tale pivots on two pivotal encounters between the protagonist and Sunstreak's trainer.
The first unfolds alongside Sunstreak just before a race, a moment where the trainer is elevated to a pedestal of profound admiration. The protagonist, fervently identifying with the trainer's ideals and passions, forms an emotional connection that transcends his affection for even his own father. Sunstreak's triumph in breaking a world record becomes a validating moment, solidifying the trainer's stature in the protagonist's eyes.
However, the narrative takes a darker turn in the second encounter. The protagonist, unknowingly trailing the trainer, stumbles upon a brothel. Peering through a window, he witnesses a stark contrast to the idealized image he held of the trainer. The once-admired figure is now seen bragging about Sunstreak's victory, claiming credit for the record-breaking race. This revelation shatters the protagonist's perception, replacing admiration with a surge of anguished confusion. The trainer's seemingly "rotten" behavior raises questions that challenge the protagonist's understanding of his idol and the world around him.
The unnamed protagonist, while displaying a good heart, grapples with a profound naivety that adds layers to the narrative. His use of racial slurs, notably the term "niggers," unveils an ignorance rather than malicious intent, painting a nuanced portrait of his character. The protagonist's idolization of Bildad Johnson, a black man in town, exemplifies this naivety. Overlooking Bildad's struggles and laborious existence, the protagonist innocently wishes to lead a life akin to Bildad's, blinded to the harsh realities of racial and economic disparities.
Despite a lack of wealth, the protagonist's generosity shines through during the Saratoga trip. Sharing his limited funds with friends, he exemplifies a selfless spirit driven by the desire to share the joy of horseracing. Additionally, his consideration for family is evident in the small gifts picked up during a stop at Niagara Falls. These gestures underscore the narrator's compassionate nature and genuine intentions, portraying him as more than a mere victim of disillusionment.
The heart of the narrative lies in the exploration of the stark contrast between the idealized perception of horses and the gritty reality of racetracks. Thoroughbred horses symbolize innocence and purity, standing in stark contrast to the racetrack environment tainted by the greed and desperation of individuals making or losing money. The protagonist's encounter with this facet of adulthood challenges his innocent reverence for the sport, introducing him to a reality that starkly contradicts his idealized visions.
In conclusion, "I Want To Know Why" transcends the realm of a simple horseracing tale. It becomes a journey from youthful idealism to profound disillusionment. The unnamed protagonist, once enamored by the beauty of thoroughbred horses, confronts the harsh realities of adult spaces like racetracks. The likelihood of the narrator never viewing a horse track or its surroundings the same way again underscores the thematic depth of loss of innocence and shattered illusions. Sherwood Anderson masterfully weaves a narrative that resonates with readers, capturing the universal essence of navigating the complexities of growing up.
Sherwood Anderson's Tale of Horse Racing Idealism. (2016, Jun 26). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/analysis-of-sherwood-andersons-i-want-to-know-why-essay
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