My Ántonia

expression, conveying the notion that knowledge exists outside of the self. Possibly the most intricate understanding of the imagination, its ramifications and its advantages is best introduced in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, “This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison.” Throughout this conversation poem, Coleridge introduces the bower as a symbol for the confines of the natural world, acting as a metaphorical prison. This is apparent when the speaker is unable to join his acquaintances on a nature walk.…

Overall, Cather seems to admire Antonia. Name and discuss three characteristics that Antonia exhibits that lead to Cather’s admiration. Jim met Antonia when he went to live with his grandparents as a young boy. From a young age he adored Antonia her and he had developed a profound affection for her. As he said he feels the happiness of being “dissolved into something complete and great.” When Jim was old enough to go to high school the Burden family moved to the town of Black Hawk,…

but with My Antonia I didn’t feel the need since the introduction in itself already told me the ending of the story. It’s rather strange how plot can control a story and how it (plot) can develop. Because My Antonia is somewhat of a memoir it doesn’t follow a traditional or conventional plot layout. Because the story is written as a memoir you know the bare bone of the story, it begins with a young boy and you know he will grow up to be a man and then… who knows? And, while My Antonia doesn’t…

Ántonia’s spirit made an impact on Jim, causing him to return to visit her as an adult. “I told Ántonia I would come back, but life intervened, and it was twenty years before I kept my promise” (My Ántonia 175). Life is personified to intervene, and given as a reason for why Jim was unable to return and visit Ántonia. Ántonia was so important to Jim because of her success, that he made a point of returning to visit her. “Not only the progenitor of a large, vigorous family, she is also the source…

Life is personified in My Ántonia, as Ántonia’s spirit makes an impact on Jim, causing him to return to visit her as an adult. “I told Ántonia I would come back, but life intervened, and it was twenty years before I kept my promise” (My Ántonia 175). Life is personified to intervene, and Jim is unable to return and visit Ántonia. Ántonia is so important to Jim because of her success, that he makes a point of returning to visit her. “Not only the progenitor of a large, vigorous family, she is…

Antonia shimerda is an immigrant Bohemian girl who comes to America with her family. Despite the many hardships she must face, Antonia remains dedicated to her family and to improving their life. She is trusting and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She knows what she wants in life and is determined to reach her goals of success. Antonia’s greatest loss is the death of her father, Mr. Shimerda. She knows she will never forget all that he has taught her about him and the traditions of…

that Jim or Antonia might have learn more over there relationship. They both come very different backrounds and households. A certain thing is expected of Antonia as she faces death and the need to make a living for her family. Antonia started not knowing anything language wise. So when they use the "Te-e-ach, te-e-ach my Antonia" I believe they both learn quite a bit but I think being in a new land and needing to learn that much more to survive I give the edge to Antonia.…

something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.” Even though this is Jim’s definition of happiness, I do not believe that Antonia would have the same outlook on the word as him. Throughout the book I have come across many examples to explain why I have this opinion. One of the many examples that the book gives is Antonia just wasn’t filled with as much hope as her friend, Jim. Another example is the Shimerda family had been through a number of awful times…

Cather really does seem to admire Antonia by the end of the book. Even though Antonia didn't show up until near the end of the book, I felt like she was the protagonist not Jim. Anyways there are three specific qualities of Antonia's personality that I think that made Cather really admire Antonia. The first trait I'll list out is Antonia's optimism. Antonia was described to have 'natural optimism' in the book and it's pretty true. Even after having so many kids with her fiance she still loved…

My Antoniá is a book narrated in the eyes of Jim Burden. Jim recalls memories of his time with the Shimerdas, a Bohemian immigrant family. Jim, 10 years old, is sent to Nebraska to live with his grandparents because both of his parents had died within the last year. Accompanying Jim is Jake Marpole, a farmer that worked for Jims father. On their trip out west, they get their first glimpse of the Shimerdas. When Jim reaches his grandfathers farm, he discovers that the Shimerdas are farming…