Willa Cather's My Antonia was about the life and struggles of an immigrant's life from a very early age. Her trials: her beloved father's suicide, having to work for her family to survive, being hired out as a maid, working for the despicable Cutters, almost being raped, being cheated out of marriage, and being left with an illegitimate child all changed her life dramatically. Her life was hard, but she was strong-willed and lived a happy life, learning from her experiences and ended up exactly where she wanted to be in the first place.
             Jim's relationship with Antonia was the theme of the story and obviously the most important event. To Jim, Antonia was exotic, beautiful and desirable even when they were very young. After he met her family, Mr. Shimerda asked Jim to teach Antonia English and so, they began their lessons together. He greatly admired her and spent a lot of time with her not only during their lessons, but also playing together on the prairie and occasionally visiting the Russians. Jim acted only as a friend and confidant, but never a lover to Antonia during all of the years they knew each other. Antonia's character was stronger than any other in the book in mind, spirit and body; she didn't complain about her lifestyle or what she had to sacrifice for others.
             The death of Antonia's father was devastating to all those touched by it. Mr. Shimerda was very influential to both Antonia and Jim in his quiet, gracious mannerisms and in his love for his country. Jim had a deep admiration for his love for his family and the respect that he showed to his grandparents. Antonia's father's suicide affected her life in more ways than one. Their family was torn because of this, especially her because of her closeness with him. Her mother became more sour and boastful than ever and Ambrosch never stopped working. Ambrosch expected her to take the place of another man in as ...