In My Antonia the author portrays strong female characters making it center on females, but told from a male narrator. Cather wants to show the different females, but most holding the same characteristics such as being a strong, self-determined woman. This type of woman comes from the harsh necessities of life on the frontier and the opportunities that are present to the young women in the book who find themselves transplanted in this new world. Girls like Antonia and Lena may have had lives that are more comfortable if their families remained in their home countries. The shift of focus on these women shows the reader a bit of feminism. However, by having these women go into the world of work, they attain a degree of freedom and independence that they may not have in other circumstances. They become a support for their families, which the men usually held that job. Their new identities as independent beings together with the wide-open and frankly opportunistic spirit of the American West, shapes their decisions and their futures, as many of these girls choose non-traditional paths in their lives.
Another twist or thought to the shift and focus is to show a completely different woman, Lena. Jim is growing into adulthood and has feelings and dreams. The cycle of growth and maturity with sexuality includes the desires of Lena. Jim's unsure attitude about sexuality and Ántonia and Lena, all implied images of fertility and sex. Cather goes beyond thoughts and tries to define the need of a relationship of the opposite sex. Jim defines Ántonia as a slightly lost girl, Lena as sexual danger, but the women succeed no matter what Jim or a man thought of them.
I believe Cather did this to portray how Antonia really "fell off the map" of life harboring herself at the farm with her child. Lena Lingard is what the majority of the town expected Antonia to be and by examining and understanding Lena's life in greater depth one can better accept why Antonia was unable to establish a similiar life. Lena was highly unemotional and analytical where as Antonia was full of emotion and compassion, which is what Jim consistently comments on why he adores her so much. The focus did end up on Lena and her accomplishments because they were socially acceptable while Antonia had her "own" accomplishments in her farm and children, but this was not revered to others. Lena became the focus of attention by the author just as she became the focus of attention by the town.
I think she did this because not every person is who they were in the past. NO one thought Lena would be much but trouble and here she is a strong, independant woman who can make things work for her and that she wanted to show how much Antonia cared for Jim by not wanting Lena to mess with him.
I think that the book in general isn't really about Antonia, I think it's about Jim himself. He is looking at his life when he first comes to Nebraska and is telling both sides of his mind through the eyes of these two women. As he grows he starts seeing more Lena, which is more practical and level headed, were as Antonia, his childhood (emphsis on child) friend is very innocent and easy going. These are two different sides to Jim that he expresses and comes back to which ever he feels like at a momments notice.
This is a great question--not sure I completely know the answer. What do you all think??
ReplyDeleteIn My Antonia the author portrays strong female characters making it center on females, but told from a male narrator. Cather wants to show the different females, but most holding the same characteristics such as being a strong, self-determined woman. This type of woman comes from
ReplyDeletethe harsh necessities of life on the frontier and the opportunities that are present to the young women in the book who find themselves transplanted in this new world. Girls like Antonia and Lena may have had lives that are more comfortable if their families remained in their home countries. The shift of focus on these women shows the reader a bit of feminism. However, by having these women go into the world of work, they attain a degree of freedom and independence that they may not have in other circumstances. They become a support for their families, which the men usually held that job. Their new identities as independent beings together with the wide-open and frankly opportunistic spirit of the American West, shapes their decisions and their futures, as many of these girls choose non-traditional paths in their lives.
Another twist or thought to the shift and focus is to show a completely different woman, Lena. Jim is growing into adulthood and has feelings and dreams. The cycle of growth and maturity with sexuality includes the desires of Lena. Jim's unsure attitude about sexuality and Ántonia and Lena, all implied images of fertility and sex. Cather goes beyond thoughts and tries to define the need of a relationship of the opposite sex. Jim defines Ántonia as a slightly lost girl, Lena as sexual danger, but the women succeed no matter what Jim or a man thought of them.
I believe Cather did this to portray how Antonia really "fell off the map" of life harboring herself at the farm with her child. Lena Lingard is what the majority of the town expected Antonia to be and by examining and understanding Lena's life in greater depth one can better accept why Antonia was unable to establish a similiar life. Lena was highly unemotional and analytical where as Antonia was full of emotion and compassion, which is what Jim consistently comments on why he adores her so much. The focus did end up on Lena and her accomplishments because they were socially acceptable while Antonia had her "own" accomplishments in her farm and children, but this was not revered to others. Lena became the focus of attention by the author just as she became the focus of attention by the town.
ReplyDeleteI think she did this because not every person is who they were in the past. NO one thought Lena would be much but trouble and here she is a strong, independant woman who can make things work for her and that she wanted to show how much Antonia cared for Jim by not wanting Lena to mess with him.
ReplyDeleteI think that the book in general isn't really about Antonia, I think it's about Jim himself. He is looking at his life when he first comes to Nebraska and is telling both sides of his mind through the eyes of these two women. As he grows he starts seeing more Lena, which is more practical and level headed, were as Antonia, his childhood (emphsis on child) friend is very innocent and easy going. These are two different sides to Jim that he expresses and comes back to which ever he feels like at a momments notice.
ReplyDelete