Counterpoints In My Antonia

First published in 1918, My Antonia is generally considered a modernist novel. In the early twentieth century, many authors were concerned with the alienation from society that resulted from ongoing processes of mechanization and industrialization. Modernist works evoke a sense of disillusionment with modern society and a feeling of fragmentation. At the other times, they present an idealized view of preindustrialized, still innocent society. My Antonia follows the pattern of the latter. Based on Cather's recollection of her youth, it offers a vision of the idyllic world of American West.Although following a conventional plot structure( with the exception of the frame narrative of the introduction), My Antonia is full of rich, complex symbols and detailed character development. The use of different counterpoints is the most helpful technique for the novel. By the counterpoints of characters, Willa Cather sets a great image of the west women. By the counterpoints in settings, she shows readers the real life at the frontier. By the counterpoints in themes, she glorifies frontier values of independence, hard work and asceticism and she implicitly contrasts it to the competition and isolation of modern society.My Antonia's high stature in American literature results from Cather's ability as a writer. Her sensitivity to the prairie landscape and her elegant uncomplicated prose style have earned her a spot among America's finest novelists. My Antonia continues to stand as the most lasting hallmark of her skill.