My Antonia Character Analysis Essay

While reading the novel, 'My Antonia', one can very quickly notice that author, Willa Cather has much admiration for the character, Antonia. Throughout 'My Antonia', readers can conclude that Antonia is a very optimistic and inteligent girl who grows into an independent young woman. Due to such characteristics, many people could very easily find themselves admiring Antonia.
Antonia Shimerda was born into poverty and grew up dealing with very tragic and stressful circumstances that would take a toll on any person, especially a child. After living in poverty in Bohemia, the Shimerda family moved to America where they learned shortly after that being an immigrant was no better than living in poverty. Immigration had put Antonia's father, Mr. Shimerda into a deep depression that ended tragically in suicide, leaving Antonia and her mother and siblings to struggle alone. Antonia never once became a pesimist during these struggles. Anyone woukd find her optimisim very admirable. It's typically natural for one to start thinking and being negative when life throws you lemons but it did not come natural for
She was so independent and strong minded,one could only wish to follow in her footsteps. Since a very young age, Antonia had always loved dancing. By the time her father had passed away and she had grown to help her mother in any way possible, Antonia worked as housekeeper for a family in Black Hawk, The Harling's. During this time, a dancing pavillion had come to Black Hawk and of course Antonia felt she must attend such an event. Shortly after, Mr. Harling forced Antonia to leave his home due to her lifestyle. Mr. Harling did not approve of her love for dancing and she was very harshly judged for it. Antonia decided that instead of stooping to Mr. Harling's level and changing herself and the lifestyle she lived for another person who simply did not approve, she would rather work for the shady Wick