In Anderson"s novel, Winesburg Ohio, the protagonist George Willard maneuvered through a motley group of acquaintances, learning and changing as he went. Dr. Parcival wanted him to listen, and others like Louise Trunnion, wanted love. Many of Winesburg"s residents saw George as someone special, someone who would be different. However, he may not have been what they thought, since he had many lessons to learn himself. Moving on from adolescence to manhood can be a difficult and often frightening journey. The guidance and support of competent adults can ease the anxiety. Did George have that support? How does he struggle to adulthood? And finally, how do his relationships with others in Winesburg aide in his growth? Throughout Anderson"s novel, George experienced a wide variety of encounters which all contributed to his maturation from an awkward adolescent to a "sophisticated" young man. Some who helped George mature were Wing Biddlebaum, Wash Williams, Louise Trunnion, and Helen White.

             Many of the grosteque men of Winesburg had a significant effect on George"s life. Wing Biddlbaum wanted to help George improve his life or improve his vision of life. Anderson states, "You are destroying yourself," he cried. " You have the inclination to be alone and to dream and you are afraid of dreams. You want to be like others in town here. You hear them talk and you try to imitate them." Wing encouraged George to be himself, to strive for his goals and dreams in a way that he was not able. .

             Wing was lonely, frustrated, and unhappy. He did not get the chance to pursue his creativity or explore his potential. Wing did not want to see this young reporter waste his life listening "to the roaring of the voices" (Anderson 12). He is pushed George to look past the shallowness of the townspeople and think deeply. However, at this point, George was not confident or mature enough to establish a unique identity or to appreciate the sublime in life.