Folks, I am going to apologize before I get started here. I packed my copy of My Antonia in a box . . . somewhere . . . because I am moving in 23 days.
Therefore, I am going to have to start this discussion simply off the top of my head. Matty, when you read this, please feel free to add on or completely erase and start over after you have finished yelling at your screen and slamming your head into your desk.
So. My Antonia. I have read this book a sum total of three times in my life, and this time I loved it. I think I'm more informed because I have now lived in the Midwest*, and I understand the imagery and the language, and the lonely-feel so much more.
Let's talk about the tone and feel of this book. How do you feel coming away from it? I feel lonely and alienated and a little sad, because of Cather's gift with language, yes; but also because of the descriptions of those relationships which just slip away.
Let's also discuss vision. How does the way in which characters see each other change? How does awareness of differences suddenly inform their thoughts about each other?
And let's also talk about the biblical imagery. What does Cather mean by it?
Sorry again, guys -- this is all I got, until I unpack that particular book in January.
Write on!
Melly
*But not for much longer, because I am moving!
