Being one of the two focal characters in My ntonia, Jim undergoes a considerable amount of personal development throughout the novel. While this growth stems from multiple sources, it is undeniable that Lena Lingard had an influential impact on his character. As stated in “The Drama of Memory in My ntonia,” “Lena’s unconscious power to distract a man. exerts its influence on Jim during his final year at the University of Nebraska” (Martin 309). This statement refers to a rather studious period of Jim’s life, where he was away from Black Hawk, studying at the University. During this time, Lena joins Jim in Lincoln and the two begin spending time with one another. Together, they frequent the theatre, join each other for breakfasts, and merely
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Thus, Jim experiences a lapse in his usual character, shifting from his scholastic customs to an easygoing lifestyle that mirrors Lena’s practices. Moreover, while Jim has always had an abnormal attitude towards the “working girls,” Lena opens his eyes to some of the more prejudiced members of his community. An instance of this can be found within the interactions between Lena and Sylvester Lovett. Sylvester, a cashier seemingly smitten with Lena, spent a vast amount of his time dancing with, watching, and walking Lena home after late nights in the Vannis’ tent. However, when their relationship started interfering with his ability to concentrate during work, he scorned her and married a wealthy widow. In response to Sylvester’s actions, Jim states that “I used to glare at young Lovett from a distance and only wished I had some way of showing my contempt for him” (Cather 92). This displays Jim’s recognition of the dismissive ways the townsfolk treat the “working girls” and presents a catalyst for his growing disdain for the members of his community. Later, when Jim ruminates upon his adolescent years, he recalls Lena and occurrences such as this, which then serve to “inspire melancholy reflection” (Martin
Thus, Jim experiences a lapse in his usual character, shifting from his scholastic customs to an easygoing lifestyle that mirrors Lena’s practices. Moreover, while Jim has always had an abnormal attitude towards the “working girls,” Lena opens his eyes to some of the more prejudiced members of his community. An instance of this can be found within the interactions between Lena and Sylvester Lovett. Sylvester, a cashier seemingly smitten with Lena, spent a vast amount of his time dancing with, watching, and walking Lena home after late nights in the Vannis’ tent. However, when their relationship started interfering with his ability to concentrate during work, he scorned her and married a wealthy widow. In response to Sylvester’s actions, Jim states that “I used to glare at young Lovett from a distance and only wished I had some way of showing my contempt for him” (Cather 92). This displays Jim’s recognition of the dismissive ways the townsfolk treat the “working girls” and presents a catalyst for his growing disdain for the members of his community. Later, when Jim ruminates upon his adolescent years, he recalls Lena and occurrences such as this, which then serve to “inspire melancholy reflection” (Martin