Symbolism In My Antonia

1) At the end of book 1, section 2 of the book “My Antonia” by Willa Cather, Jim defines happiness as “to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep." I believe that Antonia would agree with Jim’s definition of happiness. I feel this way simply because of a few reasons. In this book Antonia struck me as a free-spirited, strong-willed girl. No matter the circumstances, she always made the best out of them. She always made something good come out of her hardships. After Antonia and her family arrived from her homeland , Antonia soon came over to Jim’s home telling him and his family about her papa’s friends. This made me feel as if she was very happy for her father and family even after
These characteristics lead Carther to admire Antonia. It is very easy to admire her throughout reading this book. One of Antonia’s many characteristics is that she is a hard worker. From the day Antonia and her family arrived she worked hard and never thought twice about it. She worked on the prairie for the Burdens, for the Harling’s, and for the Cutters. Of all the work she did, working outside on the prairie was her absolute favorite. While working for the burdens she sang, “Oh, better I like to work outdoors than in a house.I not care that your grandmother say it make me like a man, I like to be a man.” working on the prairie was obviously where her heart is. Another characteristic is how beautiful Antonia was. Jim was very fond of the way Antonia looked. He often talked about her dark skin and her eyes. In the beginning of the book the passenger conductor also said that Antonia’s skin was “as bright as a new dollar” and that “she’s got pretty brown eyes to”. Along with being beautiful on the outside, Antonia was also very beautiful on the inside. which brings us to the next characteristic. Antonia was very loving and caring. She was a great mother and did everything she could to give her children all that they Needed. When Jim visited her family Antonia told Jim “you wouldn’t believe what it takes to feed them all”. Although it was difficult at times she kept her children fed and did whatever she had to do to keep it that way! This was strictly out of love and care for her family. Antonia is a very admirable person in this story. I can see why Cather admires her so much .Antonia is a prime example of how girls should act, hardworking, respectful, beautiful (inside and out), loving, caring, ambitious, family oriented, and much more. In this book, I have the utmost respect for Antonia and of all the things she has done for others and accomplished. Antonia was never a quitter and