CliffsNotes^TM on Cather's My Ántonia

by Susan Van Kirk; David Kubicek; Mildred R. Bennett

• ISBN13: 9780764586514
• ISBN10: 0764586513
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes

Summary

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background.In CliffsNotes on My Antonia, you follow the story of Jim, an orphaned boy who travels to Nebraska to live with his grandparents. Upon arriving, Jim meets the uplifting, spirited daughter of a Bohemian immigrant family that plans to farm on nearby, untamed land.Honoring and celebrating the immigrant settlers of the American plains, Willa Cather's novel also succeeds as one of the finest romantic stories written in the United States. Other features that help you figure out this important work include Life and background of the author Analyses of a large cast of characters A brief synopsis of the novel Critical essays A review section that tests your knowledge and suggests essay topics A resource center that leads you to more great books and websitesClassic literature or modern-day treasure you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Author Biography

About the Authors Susan Van Kirk holds a B.A. from Knox College and an M.Ed. from the University of Illinois. She has taught English for 30 years in Monmouth, Illinois. David Kubicek received an M.A. in English from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Table of Contents

Life and Background of the Author	1	(9)
Early Childhood (1873-1884)	2	(1)
Early Formal Education (1884-1890)	3	(1)
Advanced Education (1890-1895)	3	(2)
A Career in Journalism (1896-1912)	5	(1)
The Creative Years (1912-1927)	6	(2)
Last Years (1927-1947)	8	(2)
Introduction to the Novel	10	(13)
A Brief Synopsis	11	(4)
List of Characters	15	(6)
Character Map	21	(1)
Genealogy Map	22	(1)
Critical Commentaries	23	(45)
Introduction	24	(1)
Summary	24	(1)
Commentary	24	(1)
The Shimerdas: Chapters I-IV	25	(1)
Summary	25	(1)
Commentary	26	(2)
Glossary	28	(2)
The Shimerdas: Chapters V-VIII	30	(1)
Summary	30	(1)
Commentary	31	(1)
Glossary	32	(2)
The Shimerdas: Chapters IX-XII	34	(1)
Summary	34	(1)
Commentary	35	(1)
Glossary	36	(1)
The Shimerdas: Chapter XIII	37	(1)
Summary	37	(1)
Commentary	37	(1)
Glossary	37	(1)
The Schimerdas: Chapters XIV-XVI	38	(1)
Summary	38	(1)
Commentary	39	(1)
Glossary	40	(1)
The Shimerdas: Chapters XVII-XVIII	41	(1)
Summary	41	(1)
Commentary	42	(1)
Glossary	42	(1)
The Shimerdas: Chapter XIX	43	(1)
Summary	43	(1)
Commentary	43	(1)
Glossary	44	(1)
The Hired Girls: Chapters I-IV	45	(1)
Summary	45	(1)
Commentary	46	(1)
Glossary	46	(2)
The Hired Girls: Chapters V-VII	48	(1)
Summary	48	(1)
Commentary	49	(1)
Glossary	50	(1)
The Hired Girls: Chapters VIII-X	51	(1)
Summary	51	(1)
Commentary	51	(1)
Glossary	52	(2)
The Hired Girls: Chapters XI-XV	54	(1)
Summary	54	(2)
Commentary	56	(1)
Glossary	57	(1)
Lena Lingard: Chapters I-IV	58	(1)
Summary	58	(1)
Commentary	59	(1)
Glossary	60	(1)
The Pioneer Woman's Story: Chapters I-IV	61	(1)
Summary	61	(1)
Commentary	62	(2)
Cuzak's Boys: Chapters I-III	64	(1)
Summary	64	(1)
Commentary	65	(1)
Glossary	66	(2)
Character Analyses	68	(11)
Antonia Shimerda Cuzak	69	(2)
Jim Burden	71	(1)
Anton Cuzak	72	(1)
Mr. Shimerda	73	(2)
Mrs. Shimerda	75	(1)
Lena Lingard and Tiny Soderball	76	(3)
Critical Essays	79	(10)
The Real Antonia	80	(3)
My Antonia and Autobiography	83	(2)
The Two Introductions	85	(1)
Willa Cather's Art	86	(3)
Cliffs Notes Review	89	(8)
Index	97