Willa Cather is one of the most important novelists of the first half of the twentieth century. “She was an accomplished storyteller who managed to capture the voice of a country and its people” (Champion). Today, her novels and short stories number among those of the most celebrated American writers of the first half of the 20th century, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Vickie's egocentrism
- Victoria's old age
- Mrs. Harris' resignation
- Will the Templeton women all become like Mrs. Harris one day?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the development of the female characters in Willa Cather's short story "Old Mrs. Harris" from self-centered youth to resigned adults, focusing on their changing worldviews. The essay also explores the possibility of all three women eventually becoming like Mrs. Harris.
- The impact of aging on the female characters' attitudes and actions.
- The role of egocentrism in the characters' development.
- The influence of Southern traditions on the characters' lives.
- The challenges faced by women in the early 20th century.
- The theme of generational conflict and the clash between different worldviews.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the context for the story, highlighting Willa Cather's importance as a novelist and providing background information on the story's origins. The first chapter focuses on Vickie, the youngest female member of the Templeton family, and her egocentric behavior. The chapter examines Vickie's ambitions, her lack of interest in family matters, and her struggles with accepting limitations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key terms and concepts include: egocentrism, aging, Southern traditions, generational conflict, female characters, worldviews, and the early 20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of Willa Cather's "Old Mrs. Harris"?
The story explores the effects of aging on three generations of women, tracing their journey from youthful egocentrism to late-life resignation.
How is Vickie's character described in the essay?
Vickie is portrayed as egocentric, focused on her own ambitions and lack of interest in family matters, struggling to accept personal limitations.
What role do Southern traditions play in the story?
Southern traditions influence the characters' lives, social expectations, and the specific challenges they face as women in the early 20th century.
What does Mrs. Harris' resignation represent?
Her resignation symbolizes the end of the aging process where the individual accepts their role and the limitations imposed by society and family.
Is there a generational conflict in the story?
Yes, the essay highlights the clash between different worldviews held by the youngest, middle-aged, and oldest members of the Templeton family.
Why is Willa Cather considered a significant novelist?
She is celebrated for her ability to capture the voice of the American country and its people, ranking alongside writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2017, From egocentrism to complete resignation. The effects of ageing in Willa Cather's short story "Old Mrs. Harris", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/366694
