The Sculptor's Funeral Modernism

Modernist qualities are very prevalent in Willa Cather’s literary pieces, as well as being depicted within the themes of her writing. In the short stories “A Wagner Matinée” and “The Sculptor’s Funeral,” the imperative and recurring themes of tradition and conformity, greatly relate to Modernism. During this time period, the American people wanted to shift away from the expectations and pave their own way; no longer wanted to be limited or conform to society. This attitude most certainly applied to writers and other creative groups; the former would “make it new” in reference to their work. Often the subconscious would be explored and emphasised. The theme of tradition and conformity exemplifies these characteristic of Modernism since the characters either reject the influx of change or welcome it wholeheartedly.
The titular character of “The Sculptor’s Funeral,” …show more content…
Rather than breaking free of the traditions, she was stuck in them by remaining in Nebraska, which affected her quality of life. Aunt was essentially reliving the same monotonous day in purgatory. The alienation from society (in addition to what she onced love, like music and Clark) stemmed from the repetition she experienced, including responsibility of the family farm and lack of personal satisfaction. Before her life took this turn, Georgiana lived an eventful life with heavy interest in music. However, in the present time of the story, her wonderful hometown of Boston or music held no interest to her. Cather wrote on page 3, “she… concerned that she had forgotten to leave instruction about feeding… a certain weakling calf.” Aunt Georgiana displays the negativity and consequences of conforming to expectations of society and others (since she relocated to Nebraska on account of her husband), which incorporates Modernist ideals; during this time period people wanted