Lena is a Norwegian immigrant and another hired girl. She is modern, sophisticated, and extremely independent. she comes to Black Hawk to earn money working for the local dressmaker. Lena is a sexual figure and Jim likes Lena's sleepy eyes, her attractive features and figure, and her seductive charms. The young and inexperienced Jim falls for her charm while he is in Lincoln attending the university. She starts a relationship with Jim when they are both in Lincoln, knowing that she will not commit to him. Jim’s relationship with Lena is realistically suggestive, but does not possess passion. Lena is a self-determining woman who is emotionally secure enough for a sexual relationship, but does not want marriage. Antonia is dedicated to her family and to improving their life. She is trusting and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She knows what she wants in life and is determined to reach her goals of success. Ántonia’s relationship with Jim is based on Jim’s childhood and innocence.
Tina, that is an incredible breakdown of Lena and Antonia. Lena always seemed intellectually mature beyond her years and was not bothered by deep set emotion or worry. She was her mother's direct helper with her many siblings and this responsibility determined her desire to not have a family and essentially become strapped down and weakened, as was her mother. Lena knew what she wanted to do, had business sense, and was very analytical in moving forward with her plans careful not to get mixed up in emotion. Lena did have strong affection for Jim, as he did for her however it never blossomed because she did not allow it to. Antonia however allowed her emotions to eventually claim her life for her and made unwise decisions, all in the name of love. Antonia wanted what Lena grew up in, a home with a husband and wife and many children to care for. She wanted to keep house and felt more comfortable in the country, all while keeping to her Bohemian roots and traditions. Antonia also had strong affection for Jim, as her confidant, her companion and friend for life.
Lena is the type were she would not wear her heart on her sleeve. She is practical and she says right out there that she is looking for a good time but not a relationship. Antonia is very driven by emotions. She is very care free and to trusting. Jim has these likeness in him so I really think that is why he hangs around with them both. Antonia is the young full hearted one Jim holds on to to remind him of his youth and Lena is the then and now part of his mind.
I love the character of Lena, particularly towards the end of the book. Is she a foil (opposite) of Antonia, do you think? How so??
ReplyDeleteLena is a Norwegian immigrant and another hired girl. She is modern, sophisticated, and extremely independent. she comes to Black Hawk to earn money working for the local dressmaker. Lena is a sexual figure and Jim likes Lena's sleepy eyes, her attractive features and figure, and her seductive charms. The young and inexperienced Jim falls for her charm while he is in Lincoln attending the university. She starts a relationship with Jim when they are both in Lincoln, knowing that she will not commit to him. Jim’s relationship with Lena is realistically suggestive, but does not possess passion. Lena is a self-determining woman who is emotionally secure enough for a sexual relationship, but does not want marriage.
ReplyDeleteAntonia is dedicated to her family and to improving their life. She is trusting and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She knows what she wants in life and is determined to reach her goals of success. Ántonia’s relationship with Jim is based on Jim’s childhood and innocence.
Tina, that is an incredible breakdown of Lena and Antonia. Lena always seemed intellectually mature beyond her years and was not bothered by deep set emotion or worry. She was her mother's direct helper with her many siblings and this responsibility determined her desire to not have a family and essentially become strapped down and weakened, as was her mother. Lena knew what she wanted to do, had business sense, and was very analytical in moving forward with her plans careful not to get mixed up in emotion. Lena did have strong affection for Jim, as he did for her however it never blossomed because she did not allow it to. Antonia however allowed her emotions to eventually claim her life for her and made unwise decisions, all in the name of love. Antonia wanted what Lena grew up in, a home with a husband and wife and many children to care for. She wanted to keep house and felt more comfortable in the country, all while keeping to her Bohemian roots and traditions. Antonia also had strong affection for Jim, as her confidant, her companion and friend for life.
ReplyDeleteLena is the type were she would not wear her heart on her sleeve. She is practical and she says right out there that she is looking for a good time but not a relationship. Antonia is very driven by emotions. She is very care free and to trusting. Jim has these likeness in him so I really think that is why he hangs around with them both. Antonia is the young full hearted one Jim holds on to to remind him of his youth and Lena is the then and now part of his mind.
ReplyDelete