How Does Lewis explain the dull monotony or "universal similarity" reigning in American Life? How many cultures does America have? What is the source of American culture?

Sinclair Lewis defines universal similarity in Main Street through Carol's observation as "the physical expression of the philosophy of dull safety. Nine-tenths of the American towns are so alike that it is the completest boredom to wander from one to another." (p. 239) This reveals itself in the lack of originality in the construction of streets, buildings, in the "neglect of natural advantages." Carol observes, "If Kennicott were snatched from Gopher Prairie and instantly conveyed to …

…Prairie, Lewis offers some hope for change in the next generation as Carol says of her daughter, "Do you see that object on the pillow? Do you know what it is? It's a bomb to blow up smugness. If you Tories were wise, you wouldn't arrest anarchists; you'd arrest all these children while they're asleep in their cribs. Think what that baby will see and meddle with before she dies in the year 2000!" (p. 400) Indeed.