My Antonia: The Early-american Working Woman’s Reprimand

In Willa Cather's My Antonia, the female characters are portrayed with a complexity that challenges the stereotypes of women in the late 19th century. While Jim Burden's narration might initially seem dismissive of these women, a closer examination reveals that they are not mere subordinates but rather embodiments of strength and resilience. Cather's work stands as a significant contribution to Early-American feminist literature, illustrating the nuanced realities of working women during this period.

Jim Burden's Perspective: A Double-Edged Sword

Jim Burden's narration serves as both a lens and a limitation in understanding the female characters in My Antonia. His perspective is deeply rooted in societal norms, which often leads him to undermine the capabilities of the women around him. For instance, he expresses disdain for Antonia when she treats him as an equal, remarking, “she was four years older than I, to be sure, and had seen more of the world; but I was a boy and she was a girl, and I resented her protecting manner” (Cather 24). This statement highlights Jim's rigid beliefs about gender roles, suggesting that he struggles to reconcile his admiration for Antonia with his ingrained notions of masculinity and femininity.

Moreover, when Antonia chooses to work on her family's farm instead of attending school, Jim perceives her decision as a failure, stating that “[e]verything [about her] was disagreeable to him” (Cather 61, 62). Such sentiments reflect his inability to appreciate the value of hard work and sacrifice, traits that ultimately contribute to Antonia's success. Jim’s portrayal of Lena and Tiny further exemplifies his narrow view; he regards them as “menace[s] to the social order,” underscoring his discomfort with their independence and unconventional behavior (Cather 98).

Cather's Feminine Lens: A Contrast to Jim's Views

Willa Cather's personal experiences greatly inform her portrayal of women in My Antonia. Raised in a household where strong women played significant roles, Cather developed a profound respect for the female characters she depicted. Critics have debated Cather's stance on feminism, with some arguing that her writing reflects a sexist voice. However, as Elaine Apthorp suggests, Cather's narration may be a reflection of her earlier self, grappling with societal expectations of femininity (Apthorp 8).

Antonia, for instance, is based on a real person from Cather's life, Anna Sadilek, whom she admired for her artistic spirit and resilience (Koss). This connection lends authenticity to Antonia's character, showcasing her as a figure of strength rather than a mere object of Jim's affection. Cather's ability to weave her admiration for strong women into her narrative ultimately elevates the female characters beyond Jim's limited understanding.

The Triumph of the Hired Girls

The “hired girls” in My Antonia—Tiny Soderball, Lena Lingard, and Antonia Shimerda—represent a departure from the traditional depictions of women in literature. They are not upper-class ladies but working-class women navigating the challenges of their time. Their stories reflect a broader narrative of female empowerment and independence.

• Tiny Soderball: After working in a men's boarding house, Tiny finds success in Alaska, illustrating the potential for women to thrive in unconventional roles.
• Lena Lingard: Lena embodies modern feminist ideals; she embraces her sexuality while rejecting societal expectations of marriage, ultimately becoming a successful dressmaker.
• Antonia Shimerda: Antonia's journey emphasizes resilience and family values, proving that success can be defined in various ways beyond societal norms.

These characters defy Jim's expectations and societal standards, illustrating the strength that emerges from their experiences as working women. Cather's portrayal of these women serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by societal approval but by personal fulfillment and self-determination.

A Comparative Analysis of Gender Roles

Conclusion: A Legacy of Feminine Strength

Ultimately, My Antonia is a celebration of the early American working woman, illustrating how these characters rise above societal limitations to achieve their goals. Cather’s nuanced portrayal of women serves as a counter-narrative to Jim Burden’s perspective, emphasizing that true success comes from within. The strength of Antonia, Lena, and Tiny lies not only in their individual achievements but also in their ability to challenge and redefine the roles assigned to them by a patriarchal society. Through their stories, Cather crafts a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of women, solidifying My Antonia as an essential work in feminist literature.

Works Cited

Apthorp, Elaine. “Speaking of silence: Willa Cather and the “problem” of feminist biography.” Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal (1990): 8. Web.

Cather, Willa. My Antonia. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1994. Print.

Koss, Erika. “My Antonia – Reader’s Guide.” The Big Read. Arts Midwest, n.d. Web.

Laird, David. "Willa Cather's Women: Gender, Place, and Narrativity in O Pioneers! and My Antonia" (1992). Great Plains Quarterly: 242-253. Web.