Wyoming, not just a barren state, but the home of a community
"The solitude in which westerners live makes them quiet" (Erlich 209), but this does not mean they hide from human contact, for example, the people of Wyoming. There people, in one way or another, keep in contact with each other and they keep in touch with reality. In the short story, "Wyoming: The Solace of Open Spaces," Gretel Erlich writes about the tight community in Wyoming. Although they are separated geographically, they are not isolated individuals, they are far from isolated. Wyomingites make an effort to know and exchange a few words with one another, communication is very important. They are always welcoming and open to strangers who are in need of some help or service, no matter how you look or where you are from. Also, there is little distraction for Wyomingites to wander away from their community.
Castle Geyser during an eruption. Yellowstone Nati...
WYOMING escorting MONTANA with Vera Cruz dead (LO...
Wyoming vs. Utah: Go Pokes!It's so desolate there is nothing for you to do but converse with the people in your community. In addition, these people are in touch with reality and know what is important in life, they do not dwell on insignificant materials. By stating these factors, Gretel Erlich convinces the reader that Wyomingites are not isolated individuals, but members of a community.
One factor is that the people of Wyoming are always finding ways to know and communicate with each other. Erlich spent time in Wyoming and said, " and despite the physical separation, people stay in tough, often driving two to three hours to another ranch for dinner" (208). Although these people live far away from each other they still consider each other like a neighbor. To us, city people, a neighbor is
the person that lives right next to you house. To Wyomingites, a neighbor is not...