O Pioneers
Willa Cather in her novel, O Pioneers, written in 1913 tells of the trials, joys and sorrows of a Swedish pioneer, Alexandra, of the 1800s. Ms. Cather writes of Alexandra's life as a young girl, trying to get by, and the as a grown woman, caring for her land. The story takes place in the plains of Nebraska where Alexandra and her family struggle to live. Through her writing, the author pulls the readers into the heart breaking story of these pioneers. By the actions of her characters Willa Cather shows determination, friendship, and love. As all great novelists, Willa Cather began somewhere; herself being born on December 7, 1873 in Back Creek Valley, Virginia. Willa spent most of her childhood there with her two younger brothers and younger sister ( Gerber xv). Cather and her family were able to live there with her grandparents raising sheep until the sheep barn burned down in 1883, forcing them to move (3). The pioneer family courageously moved west to Webster County, Nebraska until 1884 when they were able to mov
Karolides writes that "the land is life's very symbol: it sustains life; it builds life; it is life" (Karolides 76). "The land seemed do beautiful to her, rich and strong and glorious. First being discovered, Cather's writing for her college's magazines was soon printed in the Nebraska State Journal, marking the beginning of her famed career (11). When Alexandra decides to keep and build up her land instead of moving, she justifies her decision to her brothers by saying "I can't explain that, Lou. Alexandra is kindhearted, always showing compassion to those who come to her in need. The life and likings of Willa Cather were a powerful influence in her works as an author. In Cather's novel O pioneers the main character main character, Alexandria, and her family from Sweden from Nebraska, just as Willa and her family did. Certainly she does a man's share of work" (Karolides 91). The setting of the novel, the land of Nebraska, is essential to the characters; the pioneer hungers for land; he accumulates more land and he grows with it" (Karolides 77). Cather also seems to reach out through her novel and say 'seize the day'; to not be afraid of what you want and to go after it whole heartedly. In 1901, Cather started her teaching career by teaching Latin and English at Central High School, later teaching only English at Allegheny High School in 1903 (xv). A symbol is a person, place, or thing, in the novel represent something or an idea other than what it obviously is; it forces the reader to think. The theme is the main idea that the author wants to get across to the reader in his or her novel. Marie and Emil's love is so true and pure, yet so forbidden and looked down upon.
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Acceptance Essays
