In Sinclair Lewis's "Main Street," the narrative explores the complexities of small-town life through the character of Carol Kennicott. She struggles against the mundane and conformist values of Gopher Prairie, a representative American town. Carol seeks to infuse the community with culture and change but is often met with resistance, illustrating the tension between individual ambition and social conformity. The phrase “in a world of groceries and sermons” encapsulates the dull, routine nature of small-town existence, reflecting how everyday life is dominated by trivial concerns and traditional beliefs. Carol's desire for artistic and intellectual fulfillment clashes with the town's stability, showcasing the challenges of personal growth within rigid societal frameworks.

In Sinclair Lewis's "Main Street," the narrative explores the complexities of small-town life through the character of Carol Kennicott.

She struggles against the mundane and conformist values of Gopher Prairie, a representative American town.