My Antonia 40-126

Compare and Contrast the Two Beginnings:

• pg 47-50, pg 245-246
• Which beginning do you think is stronger? Why?
• "My own story....he brought it to me"
• What kind of expectations arise from this introduction (story of recollections from someone's life)

Natural Descriptions

• "I had the feeling...what would be would be" (54)
• "I sat down in the middle of the garden...it comes as naturally as sleep" (59-60)
• Sets the tone of the story
• Danger hidden under peace and beauty
• "Years afterward...well to the sleeper" (113-114)
• Affect characters (and people in general) have on the land

Eyes Motif

• "She's got the pretty brown eyes, too!"  (51)
• "Grandfather's eyes...fresh, frosty sparkle" (56)
• "I remember what the conductor said...in the wood" (62)
• "His eyes were melancholy...hi brow" (63)
• "Her eyes looked...she could not say" (63)
• "His eyes followed Peter...unfriendly expression" (79)
• What do these descriptions tell us about the characters?
• Universal means of communication--do looks or expressions in the eyes bridge language and cultural gaps?

The Shimerdas/Foreigners

• "The Shimerdas were the first Bohemian family...by it at home" (60-61)
• "There never were such people...substantial presents in return." (73)
• "Mr. Simerda rose...Protestantizing the atmosphere" (97)
• Does this novel have tinges of xenophobia or acceptance or both? Support your claim
• "Ambrosch was considered the important person...her elder brother" (99)
• "Grandmother was indignant...to be laid amongst 'em" (110)
• "Mrs. Shimerda came out...but grandmother interfered." (112)
• "They ain't the same...with any of 'em" (120)

Importance of Communication

• "They hated Krajiek...could get information" (67)
• "After Mr. Shimerda discovered the Russians...talk to them for me" (68)
• Necessity of assimilation

Gender Roles

• "Much as I liked Antonia...we had together" (73)
• Conflict between friends comes from Antonia breaking gender expectations (female as the protector/worker)
• "'I never know you was so brave...like you kill" (75)
• What masculine and feminine ideals are displayed in the novel? Are they similar or different than those held today?
• "'I ain't got time...one good farm" (116) vs. "I think Emmaline...decided for me" (122)
• "I began to wish...no time for me." (117)

Other Interesting Moments

• Pavel and Peter's Story (80-82)
• Mr. Shimerda's suicide (102, 105, 109)
• Building the road vs. burying Mr. Shimerda (110-111)