Loss Of Innocence In My Antonia

Set in nineteenth century Black Hawk, Nebraska, Willa Cather’s novel My Antonia is the tragic, yet hope-filled memoir of Bohemian immigrant, Antonia Shimerda, as recounted through the memories of her childhood friend, Jim Burden. Arriving in Nebraska with her family, Antonia’s life is hopeful. However, the infertile prairie land disheartens her father causing him to take his life. Because of this, Antonia is forced to work long and arduous hours to provide for her family. As an immigrant Antonia uses her innate virtues of trust, hospitality, and selflessness to endure the trials she encounters in her new homeland. In her relationships, Antonia prominently displays credulity. Entrusting Jim Burden with “a little chased ring

In order to provide for the family, “Ambrosch hired his sister out like a man, and she went from farm to farm, binding sheaves or working with the thrashers,” Antonia selflessly sacrifices her dignity. Though at first responding indifferently to Jim’s question of going to school, saying “I ain’t got time to learn…School is alright for little boys. I help make this land one good farm.” Revealing her true desire for an education to Jim, Antonia asks him to tell her of all that he learned in school. The magnitude of Antonia’s altruism is great; therefore her abrupt transformation from self-sacrifice to self-absorption is astonishing. After having been mistreated by a boy from the dance hall, Mr. Harling gives Antonia an ultimatum, she either ceases attending the dances or her job with the Harling family would be terminated. Blinded by selfishness and pride, Antonia tenaciously gives up a life of generosity and virtue in exchange for a sad and miserable life of self-centeredness, choosing instead to work for Cutter. However, after living unhappily in an empty relationship with Larry Donovan who promptly abandons her, Antonia’s life focus changes dramatically. She learns the emptiness of self-seeking behavior. It is only after meeting her Bohemian husband Cuzak that Antonia rediscovers her true self again and finds self-fulfillment as a wife and mother. Antonia’s strength of