The Aesthetic Features and Significance of the Veritism in Garland’s Short Stories - A Study on Main-Travelled Roads

Abstract

Hamlin Garland, an influential American writer, puts forward his literary theory—Veritism. His collection of short stories-Main-Travelled Roads insists on describing the real situation of Midwest and West rural areas by using “Veritism”, as well as expresses the great humanistic concern and deep thinking about the changes that had taken place between urban and rural areas. By analyzing the figures and plots of Main-Travelled Roads, this paper will reveal humanism and classical sensibility, happy endings, and aesthetic value in it, and let readers understand the theme of the short stories thoroughly, and appreciate the Veritism comprehensively.