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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
5 pages in length. The duality of Willa Cather's portrayal of women in My Antonia represents the inherent dichotomy that exists between conventionality and unconventionality. A longstanding debate has raged ever since the author penned her account of a woman torn between traditional gender representation and that which is not considered conventional. The argument within the literary world revolves around the feminist approach, with some critics contending that Antonia represents the archetypal female who awakens to her innate functions as a woman. The writer presents a review of literary opinions in relation to how women's roles are portrayed in My Antonia. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: LM1_TLCmyant.doc
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between traditional gender representation and that which was not considered conventional. The argument within the literary world revolves around the feminist approach, with some critics contending that Antonia represents
"the archetypal female who awakens to her innate functions as a woman" (Dyck 263). Indeed, the authors anxieties with her own homosexuality is what some critics believe to be
the primary unconventionality in Antonias character. Interpretations of Cathers My Antonia reflect a significant sense of personal struggle with regard to the "innate weakness" (Dyck 263) depicted throughout the
story. The undercurrent of sexual identity is critical to both the conventional and unconventional approach of womens roles My Antonia. In assessing the role Antonia represents within the confines
of womanhood, it has been said that one can gain considerable insight to Cathers inner workings, as well. Sharon OBrien, author of American Novelists Revisited: Essays in Feminist Criticism,
agrees that by reading past the obvious connotations presented by the story, readers can get a grasp of the dichotomy that establishes Cather a strong and influential a female artist.
Inasmuch as Antonia symbolizes the basic simplicity of womens roles, the little girl inside exemplifies the desire to avoid all that life has to offer. She is intimidated
by what lies beyond the obvious, not entirely confident that she is capable of dealing with the gender role she has been given.
James E. Miller, Jr., author of My Antonia: A Frontier Drama of Time says Antonia represents a rebirthing of womanhood in such a way that allows her to reach far
beyond the limitations of conventional standards. "...The book is not about the real Antonia, but rather about Antonia as personal and poignant symbol (477). On the one hand,
...