Willa CatherWilla Cather(1873-1947)(1873-1947)

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The Early YearsThe Early Years

Born in Virginia– Born in Virginia– considers considers herself a herself a SouthernerSoutherner

Raised in Red Raised in Red Cloud, Neb.Cloud, Neb.

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RebellionRebellion

During her adolescence, Cather was During her adolescence, Cather was determined to escape the traditional determined to escape the traditional role women were assigned. role women were assigned.

1886, her mom was too ill to tend 1886, her mom was too ill to tend Willa’s curls, so Willa marched to the Willa’s curls, so Willa marched to the barber and had her hair cut like a barber and had her hair cut like a boy’s. (Brown 16) boy’s. (Brown 16)

Signs her name “William Cather, Jr. Signs her name “William Cather, Jr. and dressed much as a boy until her and dressed much as a boy until her second year in university" (O’Brien 11) second year in university" (O’Brien 11)

WorkWork

Taught in PennsylvaniaTaught in Pennsylvania Became a writer/editor in New York Became a writer/editor in New York

for for McClure’s MagazineMcClure’s Magazine Novels: Novels: My Antonia, O Pioneers!, One My Antonia, O Pioneers!, One

of Oursof Ours Denied movie, radio, or media Denied movie, radio, or media

production of her works in her willproduction of her works in her will

FamilyFamily Never marriedNever married

Long term Long term relationship with relationship with Edith LewisEdith Lewis

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ThemesThemes

The life of the artistThe life of the artist– Sacrifice for artSacrifice for art– In the EastIn the East– Misunderstood by Misunderstood by

family and friendsfamily and friends The character of the The character of the

pioneerspioneers

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SourcesSources

Brown, Maron Marsha, and Ruth Crone. Brown, Maron Marsha, and Ruth Crone. Willa Willa Cather: The Woman and Her Works.Cather: The Woman and Her Works. New New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1970. Print.York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1970. Print.

O’Brien, Sharon. O’Brien, Sharon. Willa Cather: The Emerging Willa Cather: The Emerging Voice.Voice. New York: Oxford University Press, New York: Oxford University Press, 1987. Print.1987. Print.

Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 7: Willa Cather." Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 7: Willa Cather." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference GuideResearch and Reference Guide. Web. 12 . Web. 12 Jan 2010.Jan 2010.