Antonia’s character purports the system of reversed gender roles set up in the novel. This is something that Cather likes about her. In the story, Antonia calls the shots, does the field work, strengthens the muscles and keeps her life rolling. For instance, Mr. Harling prohibits Antonia from attending the e weekend dance. Antonia consequently chooses to leave her family so that she is able to lead an independent life. She is also not ashamed of taking the role of a man in her life, she stands for herself. When her father dies, Antonia adopts most of her father’s responsibilities. In the end, Antonia takes responsibility and pride in her baby even when others talk ill of her for having a baby out of wedlock. From the extract, it is evident
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Jim does not also understand how Antonia feels for him. However, some few episodes in the novel could reveal Antonio’s feelings. For instance, when they first met, Antonio tries to give Jim her ring. Nevertheless it’s hard to scrutinize whether this is a sign of gratitude for Jim teaching her English or a sign that she had a crush on him. When they are on the roof together observing the storm, readers anticipate something romantic; however, Cather keeps the whole episode platonic. Later in the book, Jim gets jealous as he thinks that Antonia has feelings for Charley while Antonia gets mad when Jim and Lena flirt. However it’s hard to tell whether Antonia is jealous or is protective of her friend. Antonia does not unveil her feelings, this character intrigues Cather since it keeps the readers on their toes asking questions, making the reading fun.
Antonia’s character could also be based upon what she symbolizes. To Jim, she symbolizes the freedom and beauty of the natural landscape of Nebraska. He pictures her eyes as” big an d warm and full of light, like the sun shining on brown pools in the wood,” he also notes that in her cheeks she has a glow of rich, dark color and that “ her brown hair is curly and wild-looking.” Antonia also symbolizes the Americans who helped in the establishment of the American West. Her spirit and strength depict the determination of the historically vital group of
Jim does not also understand how Antonia feels for him. However, some few episodes in the novel could reveal Antonio’s feelings. For instance, when they first met, Antonio tries to give Jim her ring. Nevertheless it’s hard to scrutinize whether this is a sign of gratitude for Jim teaching her English or a sign that she had a crush on him. When they are on the roof together observing the storm, readers anticipate something romantic; however, Cather keeps the whole episode platonic. Later in the book, Jim gets jealous as he thinks that Antonia has feelings for Charley while Antonia gets mad when Jim and Lena flirt. However it’s hard to tell whether Antonia is jealous or is protective of her friend. Antonia does not unveil her feelings, this character intrigues Cather since it keeps the readers on their toes asking questions, making the reading fun.
Antonia’s character could also be based upon what she symbolizes. To Jim, she symbolizes the freedom and beauty of the natural landscape of Nebraska. He pictures her eyes as” big an d warm and full of light, like the sun shining on brown pools in the wood,” he also notes that in her cheeks she has a glow of rich, dark color and that “ her brown hair is curly and wild-looking.” Antonia also symbolizes the Americans who helped in the establishment of the American West. Her spirit and strength depict the determination of the historically vital group of