Willa Cather’s poem entitled Prairie Spring is one of the greatest epigraphs in literature. The use of symbolism, personification, foreshadowing, and similes is the key to Cather’s success of Prairie Spring. The major theme of O Pioneers is natural evolution. The revolution of the setting corresponds to the change of tone in Prairie Spring. The tone shifts when the poem states, “against all this, youth” (Line 10). At that point in Prairie Spring, the land and the youth are perceived as incompatible. However, it becomes evident by the conclusion of Prairie Spring that the two are not opposing forces. As the land evolves, its product is the youth. Unequivocally, natural evolution cannot occur without the existence of mankind. Therefore, the dramatic
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There is no sign of hope or any human spirit in “the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland” (3). The grey land is “somber and always silent” (line 2), because the destiny of the land is not fulfilled. It does not want to be silent, but to be enriched with the sound of life. The beautiful land remains unrecognized and untouched by mankind. The land evokes a feeling of anguish and a somber mood which foreshadows the more significant conflict of the story: the death of John Bergson. Although, it is rather not a conflict but a force that propels Alexandra into becoming the woman she is meant to be. John Bergson lies “eternal and unresponsive” (line 9). The responsibility of Bergson’s family and homestead is given to Alexandra Bergson. As Alexandra Bergson assumes the head of the family, she must travel “the long empty roads” (line 7) alone, for she lacks the support of her brothers as they are constantly questioning her capability. The land and Alexandra Bergson are alike in many ways because both of them are unrecognized of their potential to be great. However, Alexandra is “a tall, strong girl, and she walked rapidly and resolutely” (5), no other man or woman is more destined to change the prairie landscape than Alexandra Bergson. The vast land is “rich and full of strength” (line 2-4). It also has the potential to become better and to be reformed.
There is no sign of hope or any human spirit in “the little town of Hanover, anchored on a windy Nebraska tableland” (3). The grey land is “somber and always silent” (line 2), because the destiny of the land is not fulfilled. It does not want to be silent, but to be enriched with the sound of life. The beautiful land remains unrecognized and untouched by mankind. The land evokes a feeling of anguish and a somber mood which foreshadows the more significant conflict of the story: the death of John Bergson. Although, it is rather not a conflict but a force that propels Alexandra into becoming the woman she is meant to be. John Bergson lies “eternal and unresponsive” (line 9). The responsibility of Bergson’s family and homestead is given to Alexandra Bergson. As Alexandra Bergson assumes the head of the family, she must travel “the long empty roads” (line 7) alone, for she lacks the support of her brothers as they are constantly questioning her capability. The land and Alexandra Bergson are alike in many ways because both of them are unrecognized of their potential to be great. However, Alexandra is “a tall, strong girl, and she walked rapidly and resolutely” (5), no other man or woman is more destined to change the prairie landscape than Alexandra Bergson. The vast land is “rich and full of strength” (line 2-4). It also has the potential to become better and to be reformed.