Energy in Willa Cather's My Antonia and O Pioneers! : a union of landscape, personalities, and art

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Publication Type honors thesis
School or College College of Humanities
Department English
Thesis Supervisor Robert C. Steensma
Honors Advisor/Mentor Brooke Hopkins
Creator Seal, Laurie Michelle
Title Energy in Willa Cather's My Antonia and O Pioneers! : a union of landscape, personalities, and art
Date 1997
Year graduated 1997
Description The primary texts for this essay are My Antonia and 0 Pioneers!. Using My Antonia I establish the existence of an energetic essence that quickens the land and various characters of these novels. The influence of this wild energy is manifest mainly through color and movement. I focus specifically on Antonia and Blind d' Arnault who instinctively connect with this energy and react to it in a way that brings them feelings of happiness and wholeness. Using 0 Pioneers' I further define the term "energy" by examining it as a natural force that activates and inspires art. Focusing mainly on Alexandra Bergson, I discuss in detail the balanced artistic relationship some characters establish with the energy as they temper its spontaneity with control and unite instinct with will. Their efforts result in vitalized art that expands the energy and reveals its renewing and life-sustaining capabilities. All the objects and individuals who share in the embodiment of this energy are part of its interminable influence. As a foundation for theme and character, this force of energy is an integral part of Cather's celebrated works.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Cather, Willa; cristicism and interpretation
Language eng
Rights Management (c) Laurie Michelle Seal
Format Medium application/pdf
ARK ark:/87278/s6wh710t
Setname ir_htca
ID 1389169
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6wh710t