Minor

Carol's acceptance of Kennicott's proposal is inspired partly by her dream to adapt a prairie town and transform it into a beautiful country. Carol is distressed to find that Kennicott has many uncouth habits. He slumps into a chair, does not care much about clothes, cuts his nails with a knife. She cannot get over the fact that he used to chew tobacco and spit before she married him. She finds it impossible to change her clothes in front of him. Later on she has a separate room for herself. She feels that Kennicott takes her for granted. Kennicott on the other hand loves her very much. He trusts her completely. He does not feel jealous of her flirtations with Guy Pollock and Erik Valborg. Carol feels sad that she can only feel fondness for Kennicott but Kennicott knows it and is patient enough to tolerate it. He even tolerates her physical aloofness and his patience pays off in the end. He is able to win Carol back.

A contrast to these people is provided by Vida Sherwin's marriage. Vida devotes herself so completely to her husband Raymie Wutherspoon that it disturbs Carol and even Kennicott. Vida manages to transform Raymie into a confidant and successful man. Other couples in Gopher Prairie like the Clarks and the Elders seem to share a blissful togetherness. Mrs. Dillon the wife of the dentist also adores her husband.

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