Download the full reading schedule here. Years afterward, when the open-grazing days were over, and the red grass had been ploughed under and under until it had almost disappeared from the prairie; when all the fields were under fence, and the roads no longer ran about like wild things, but followed the surveyed section-lines, Mr. Shimerda's grave was still there, with a sagging wire fence around it, and an unpainted wooden cross…. [T]he grave, with its tall red grass that was never mowed, was like a little island; and at twilight, under a new moon or the clear evening star, the dusty roads used to look like soft gray rivers flowing past it…. Never a tired driver passed the wooden cross, I am sure, without wishing well to the sleeper.
I am not sure what to make of the accusation against Krajek with an axe blade the same size as Mr. Shimerda's neck wound and Krajek's guilty behavior. That no one wanted to believe he committed suicide troubles Jim because he understands the suicide is death from homesickness; and the reader believes because of Mrs. Shimerda's behavior. That Cather spends so much time on this "mortal sin" is interesting to me. Haunting how the grave at the corner of the property is then avoided rather than run over his bones and the stigma that must have been attached thereafter. The death of Mr. Shimerda means Jim loses the affections of Antonia who fawned over him; loses her to familial allegiance to Ambrosch. Grandfather lets Mrs. Shimerda keep the cow, but only after a hilarious scene. And on the craft front, I see how she breathes in and out, attraction and repulsion, life and death.
There is something about death & funerals -visiting with people ( not in a funeral home) but perhaps before or especially afterwards in a designated home or space that brings about discussion and activities that are different than the daily routine- it can be positive or sad but it stops us and makes us think of things other than the usual and tangible. It’s a time to slow down, listen, watch, ponder- each in his/ her own way that our time is limited here, and to be kind to others.
No one knows what qualities poverty might bring out in them. Grandmother Burden either sensed the desperation of Mrs Shimerda & her need for items to provide for her family OR she admired her gumption with how she so assertively claimed things from the Burden’s kitchen without much shame. She likely realized that Mrs. S might be allowed a momentary sense of control and generously let her grab the pot. Perhaps the book and reading aloud was her way of taking herself and Jim away from the whole drama - an escape.
By Ch 17 I see that in the Shimerda family themes of Artists/Dreamers vs Practical/
Goal driven, the Practical ones have won. Though Antonia was like her father in some ways and loved him, she was also highly influenced by her mother and driven to succeed in the new world. They had learned how to do this even if it meant being a bit devious and impacting relationships. Ambrosch was a far seeing fellow despite his faults. Fortunately for them, Grandfather had the wisdom of years and knew that helping the Bohemians get ahead ( despite their quirks) would be beneficial to the entire community.
I am not sure what to make of the accusation against Krajek with an axe blade the same size as Mr. Shimerda's neck wound and Krajek's guilty behavior. That no one wanted to believe he committed suicide troubles Jim because he understands the suicide is death from homesickness; and the reader believes because of Mrs. Shimerda's behavior. That Cather spends so much time on this "mortal sin" is interesting to me. Haunting how the grave at the corner of the property is then avoided rather than run over his bones and the stigma that must have been attached thereafter. The death of Mr. Shimerda means Jim loses the affections of Antonia who fawned over him; loses her to familial allegiance to Ambrosch. Grandfather lets Mrs. Shimerda keep the cow, but only after a hilarious scene. And on the craft front, I see how she breathes in and out, attraction and repulsion, life and death.
There is something about death & funerals -visiting with people ( not in a funeral home) but perhaps before or especially afterwards in a designated home or space that brings about discussion and activities that are different than the daily routine- it can be positive or sad but it stops us and makes us think of things other than the usual and tangible. It’s a time to slow down, listen, watch, ponder- each in his/ her own way that our time is limited here, and to be kind to others.
No one knows what qualities poverty might bring out in them. Grandmother Burden either sensed the desperation of Mrs Shimerda & her need for items to provide for her family OR she admired her gumption with how she so assertively claimed things from the Burden’s kitchen without much shame. She likely realized that Mrs. S might be allowed a momentary sense of control and generously let her grab the pot. Perhaps the book and reading aloud was her way of taking herself and Jim away from the whole drama - an escape.
By Ch 17 I see that in the Shimerda family themes of Artists/Dreamers vs Practical/
Goal driven, the Practical ones have won. Though Antonia was like her father in some ways and loved him, she was also highly influenced by her mother and driven to succeed in the new world. They had learned how to do this even if it meant being a bit devious and impacting relationships. Ambrosch was a far seeing fellow despite his faults. Fortunately for them, Grandfather had the wisdom of years and knew that helping the Bohemians get ahead ( despite their quirks) would be beneficial to the entire community.