Main Street Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Do you think Carol should leave Gopher Prairie and make a new life for herself, or should she keep trying to change her perspective and learn to love her life in there? Why?
  2. What is it about Will Kennicott that annoys Carol most? Is her criticism fair?
  3. What does Carol say in the final pages of this book? What is Will's response and what does it mean for the story's overall message?
  4. Who tries to help Carol adjust to Gopher Prairie? Are these efforts harmful or helpful?
  5. How effective is Lewis as a satirist in this novel? Are any of the characters in this book similar to people you know in real life?
  6. What are Carol's biggest flaws? Would she be happier if she overcame them? Why or why not?
  7. Who is the most difficult person to get along with in Gopher Prairie? Why?
  8. What hopes does Carol have for her new daughter at the end of the book? How do these hopes impact her overall outlook?