Obscure Destinies
Willa Cathers volume, Obscure Destinies, is composed of three stories, "Old Mrs. Harris," "Two Friends," and "Neighbor Rosicky." In this volume she explores three facets of small town life. In "Neighbor Rosicky" she explains what residents consider the advantages of small town life to be. In "Old Mrs. Harris" she discusses the struggle between being a newcomer and fitting in. Finally, in "Two Friends, she talks about the petty differences that can break apart apparently strong relationships. The first of the three stories, "Neighbor Rosicky," discusses how small own life is good. She first compares peacefulness of being close to nature with the big city. In chapter 6, Rosicky reflects on his time in New York. He clearly states his opinion, "the trouble with big cities; they built themselves in from the earth itself, cemented you away from any contact with the ground." (243) Obviously, Rosicky feels that the city separates you
Harris," she demonstrates the difficulties people have when they become the outsider in a new town. To the narrator, a young boy, Dillon and Trueman have a great respect and understanding of each other. to much from the natural environments. In the first chapter, Doctor Burleigh describes the Rosicky family. She describes the contrast between nature versus cement, close family bonds, the feeling of becoming an outsider, and finally the false sense of friendship created by the competition between the top businessmen of a rural town. If theirs had been a true friendship would their political differences have causes them to go separate ways. Cather also demonstrates how being in a small town can cause the family to be closely tied. Throughout the story Victoria is struggling with being treated differently than what she was used to. "My lord, Rosicky, you are one of the few men I know who has a family he can get some comfort out of: happy dispositions, never quarrel among themselves and they treat you right. Even stating early in the story that they were friends "for ten years before I knew them. The title itself helps to direct the reader to consider the meaning of these stories more closely. In one line she says as much, "this was another of those thrusts from the outside which she couldn't understand. "Victoria knew that here she was censured and criticized, she who had been so admired and envied.
Common topics in this essay:
Dillon Trueman,
Obscure Destinies,
Neighbor Rosicky,
Obviously Rosicky,
Doctor Burleigh,
Templeton Throughout,
Finally Friends,
Friends Cather,
town life,
neighbor rosicky,
Willa Cathers,
cathers volume obscure,
competition top,
rosicky family,
finally friends,
cathers volume,
life harris,
volume obscure destinies,
cather story,
volume obscure,
town life harris,
top business,
|
Acceptance Essays
