Memories On Mothers-a Myth & Archetypal Analysis Of Willa Cather's My Antonia And O Pioneers!

Willa Cather was one of the most important writers of the first half of the twentieth century in American literature. She employed references to the imagery of Greek-Roman or Christian myth, and created a lot of vivid images of American pioneer women. From the Myth & Archetypal perspective, this thesis tries to make a brief analysis and a comparison between the mother characters in Cather's novels and the mother goddess in the myth. The study explores her use of myth expressing her understanding of human experience, establishing a stronghold for values, and defining the heroic dimension of life. Consequently, readers are encouraged and elevated by the strong will and dauntless spirit of those pioneer women. Their stories convince readers that human beings surrounded by mothers'love, are able to fight any environment, overcome difficulties and control their fate. They will finally have an abundant and fulfilled life.