Willa Cather's O Pioneers Essay

Willa Cather's O Pioneers highlights the undercurrent of Cather's talent to establish symbolism, deliver a direct written linguistic for easy interpretation among readers, dictate an exceptional control of pace which foreshadows coming events, as well as give a detailed description of the setting of the "land" which gives its own distinct characterization which not only reflects the desires of the settlers but is a created force to disrupt their lives and cause their own character to bend and change. Cather's is very void of dwelling deep within each individual characters psyche which could handicap her characterization. However, Cather's characterization is explored to satisfaction through the setting, the “land”, which acts as an opposing force on the

For example, Emile's feelings for Marie are not noticeable to the reader until they are older and she is already married. Frank Shabatta's true self is revealed battling the resentful forces within himself and the leadership and determination of Alexandria is depicted with her many years battle to tame the "land." None of these character traits are confessed through inner monologue but rather displayed in moments of resisting or battling an opposing force. As the characters battle the land and become more characterized the “Land” itself becomes the most detailed central character of the story if not the character in which every character circulates around. This intent focus on the "land" confirms Cather's novel as something of a romantic because Cather’s story mirrors such a definition, which is a story characterized by a heightened interest in nature, emphasis on the individual's expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established social rules and