Throughout the book O Pioneer, the men and women seem to differ drastically regarding their approach towards romance, their relationships with the land, and their interaction with each other. In the following paragraphs, I will attempt to point out some of the differences between the genders by providing examples of how the two genders differ in these areas. I will show how the relationships affect the well-being of each character's situation.
             The men and women lack intimacy within their relationships with each other. Mr. and Mrs. Bergson have an unfulfilling companionship instead of a happy marriage. Mr. Bergson depends on his daughter Alexandra in a way that should be expected from his wife. Throughout the novel, Alexandra doesn't appear to develop a truly romantic relationship with anyone. She puts her father's wishes before her own and the land becomes her husband until loneliness overtakes her. Carl, her best friend since childhood and apparent companion, doesn't appear to have passionate feelings towards Alexandra. They seem to share more of a special bond with each other rather than a romantic love. Most of the other main male characters in the novel lack the same romantic love that couples share. Lou and Oscar treat their wives like more of a possession rather than their lovers. Throughout the novel, there isn't one scene where either of them show genuine affection towards the ladies.
             Emil and Marie Shabata do seem to share romantic feelings towards each other. In the novel, there are instances where they are spending quality time with each other. Emil and Marie actively express their passionate feelings towards one another while spending time relaxing, working, or playing outside. The feelings that Marie develops for Emil are ones that she used to have for with her husband Frank. The novel leads the reader to believe that Marie no longer longs for any romance with her hus
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