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 to much from the natural environments. Cather also demonstrates how being in a small town can cause the family to be closely tied. In the rural situation families often have to work together and tend to appreciate each other. Family members often stay close to home when they get older. Just like Rudolph, whose house is only across the field from his parents'. Cather lets you know early in the story that the family structure is strong. In the first chapter, Doctor Burleigh describes the Rosicky family. He states. "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." (232)
             In the next poem Cather discusses a different side of small town life. In "Old Mrs. Harris," she demonstrates the difficulties people have when they become the outsider in a new town. This can easily be seen when ...