Upon further research, I discovered that Cather’s creation of Antonia is actually a play off of a genuine character in her nonfictional life, a girl named Annie who was also an immigrant dealing with a father committing suicide. This is one of the first and most important reasons for Cather admiring Antonia; she is based off of a part of her life. Cather decided to take someone she knew personally and grew to understand, and perhaps found great interest in, and write them in the glory she saw in them.
Cather also admired Antonia’s inner radiance. The first thing that is referenced, by someone other than Jim, is the light in her eyes. Then in book one, chapter three, this is the first note that Jim takes of her: "They were big and warm
Cather also admired Antonia’s inner radiance. The first thing that is referenced, by someone other than Jim, is the light in her eyes. Then in book one, chapter three, this is the first note that Jim takes of her: "They were big and warm