I Want to Know Why by Sherwood Anderson.

          I Want to Know Why 

Question: 1 Explore the protagonist's journey from innocence to disillusionment in "I Want to Know Why." How does this perception of the world change throughout the story? 

Answer : 

Introduction:

                         I Want to Know Why is written by Sherwood  Anderson in his collection of 1921. This story is poignant the coming-of-age story. In the story one unnamed boy nearing his 16th birthday. The story delves into themes of isolation and loneliness, disillusionment, individual desire and societal expectations. 

  The protagonist of 'I Want to Know Why' is an unnamed boy nearing his 16th birthday. The boy lives in Beckersvile, a small Kentucky town. He was fascinated with horse and horse racing. One day occurs when the boy and three of his friends sneak away and hitch a freight train to Saratoga, New York, to watch a horse race. There were two types of horses, one Sunstreak, a stallion and a second, gelding Middlestride. Both horses were from near Beckersvile. Jerry Tilford  Sunstreak's trainer. The narrator was impressed by Tilford, he became ideal for the boy, and the boy wanted to become a Jockey. One day the boy watches Tilford to someone, and Tilford kisses or prostitute, the boy was disgusted, angry and confused. After that, the boy felt disillusioned. 

 The people are always seen from their own perspective and thus become disillusioned. Even in the story, the boy is still young, he is not mature enough to understand these things, so he feels that anything his trainer does is wrong. Similarly, inadequate understanding changes the world throughout the story. 

Question: 2 Read the original story and prepare a visual storyline. 

Question : 3 What is your understanding of the concept of individual desire and societal expectations? 

 

Answer : 

                 As per my manner, society will always expect others to do what they like. We all are human beings, and human also have their individual desire. Until a human can understand everything, they cannot blame others. Everyone has different desires. We should not judge anyone. You have only one life so do whatever you want and don't think what people will say. 

Question: 4 Reflect in your own words about the transition of your journey from childhood to adulthood. 

Answer : 

                Living in adolescence is very difficult. Parents want to become successful soon, maintain their dignity, and become an ideal daughter, moving forward in every activities. At the same time, there are responsibilities of home as well as study. No one can understand you. We cannot tells others our pain. No matter how much good we do, some do better than us. Have good relations with all. Learning let everything go. To be a good human being, to be honest, to be loyal. There should be one person with whom we can talk about everything. It's too complicated, though every new day has to begin with a smile.