Written by Carter LeClaire
The writing in My Antonia by Willa Cather incorporates an abundance of simple episodes in Jim and Antonia’s childhood which insinuate deeper meanings. Critic Randolph Bourne praises My Antonia for its skillful entwining of small anecdotes that are patiently weaved together until a profound significance surfaces. On the other hand, critic David Daiches believes that these writings are irrelevant, and fail to contribute to the story in a significant manner. The critics’ perspectives may be reflected in the last six paragraphs of chapter thirteen as the Nebraska prairie faces a raging blizzard. Jim recalls that the harsh blizzard was unlike any other storm in the “... ten years [his] grandfather had lived in Nebraska”, demonstrating the strange atmosphere that settles with the blizzard’s arrival (Cather 61). Additionally, Cather describes the bulls’ rowdy behavior on the farm as they grow agitated and aimlessly “... [tear] each other to pieces”, emphasizing the odd nature of the day (61). The fact that the bulls are on edge further illustrates how Cather incorporates the usage of simple details to indicate the importance of the storm, as the abnormality of the day foreshadows the upcoming hardships of the Shimerdas. Cather uses the bulls to portray the Shimerdas’ difficulties. Unlike the Burdens, both parties lack luxuries which leave them unprotected from the blizzard, physically and mentally. While the Burdens feel the shift in the atmosphere following the arrival of the blizzard, the behavior of the bulls indicates a turning point for the Shimerdas. Though Cather’s incorporation of simple details adds depth to her writing, Cather’s inclusion of the “... cattle in the coral [eating] corn…” and the hope that the cattle “... would be ready for an early market” do not contribute to the plot of the story in a prominent way. Upon consideration of these details, Daiches would feel that his criticism is justified, as the inclusion of the cattle and their status seems irrelevant. If Cather did intend to imply a deeper meaning, it is obscured by the quotation’s simplicity and lack of conceptual development.
Although Daiches makes a compelling argument, Bournes’ interpretation of My Antonia is more accurate. Bourne is able to see how Cather utilizes artistic simplicity to subtly imply deeper meanings; accordingly, Bourne would feel that the simple wording of the last six paragraphs in chapter thirteen are significant to the story. For instance, as the storm rages on, the snow begins to “... simply [spill] out of heaven, like thousands of feather-beds being emptied” rather than just fall (Cather 60). Cather utilizes a simile and compares the blizzard to feather-beds being emptied. Although blizzards are harsh by nature, Cather creates an alternative, peaceful image by using words with positive connotations such as “heaven”, “simply”, and “feather-beds” (Cather 60). Additionally, feathers are seen as a connection to the spiritual realm in many cultures; due to feathers’ relationship with birds, they are also related to flight and freedom both physically and spiritually. The use of the feather symbol in this quotation foreshadows Mr. Shimerda’s death and provides insight into its causes. When Mr.Shimerda passes away, death acts as an escape for him as he is freed of his responsibilities. Furthermore, similar to how the blizzard is presented in a positive light, Mr. Shimerda’s death is presented as a ‘good’ act by the simile, despite its denotative nature, which entails it to be negative. Ultimately, this analysis demonstrates Bourne’s perspective as it shows how profound meaning can be found in seemingly unimportant passages which is contradictory to Daiches beliefs.
Carter LeClaire is an 18 year old philantropist, philosopher, and poet from Prince Edward Island. He started a nonprofit in 2020 to help kids K-12 improve their essay writing skills through peer mentorship over Virtual Zoom Meetings.
© 2018 elysianmuse.com