My Antonia (1918)
(Willa Cather)
The natural beauty woven into My Antonia is at the center of its attraction. We are reminded of how difficult life can be and at the same time how beautiful. The relationship Jim Burden and Antonia Shimerda quickly develop is an indication of how connections are made in harsh realities. The immigrant communities in the growing western states were tremendously challenged. The characters in the novel are adroit and interesting with fascinating and sometimes horrifying backgrounds.
The moral fiber and base human-ness of Antonia is admirable and the ordinary Jim Burden contrasts in a comfortable way. The story unfolds page by page with an ease of read and unhurried rhythm. The days and years of the story flow gently by as we witness the childhood and adolescence of the characters Jim and Antonia. The lives of the characters become part of the reader as the vivid language, so carefully crafted, paints a landscape in our minds.
The characters struggle with choices and sometimes the lack of any choice. Antonia works hard everyday and her willingness to work hard sometimes leads her down a dangerous path. Pride also plays a role in her personality and again influences the few choices she is able to make. In the story, the few choices allowed Antonia do not come through as wise decisions. In fact, the best outcomes result from her following the more traditional course of immigrant women from her age and era. Though expectations of women in the era of the story are specific, Antonia approaches her life with vigor and enthusiasm finding adventure in the countryside that is her life.
In contrast, Jim has freedoms to pursue any adventure he chooses. It is with denied envy that he watches Antonia and struggles with his own decision making and coming of age expectations. In the final chapters, closure comes in the form of destiny fulfilled.
Resumos Relacionados
- Part I, My Antonia
- My Antonia
- The Pact
- The Turning
- The House At Riverton
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