My Ántonia Man and the Natural World Quotes Page 1
Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
| Quote #1 More than any other person we remembered, this girl seemed to mean to us the country, the conditions, the whole adventure of our childhood. (Introduction.5) |
This is a key line and it helps us to interpret Ántonia not just as a character, but as a symbol. As we'll see in her "Character Analysis," Ántonia is very much tied – in Jim's mind – to the natural landscape of the Nebraskan prairie. It's important stuff, so be sure to check it out.
| Quote #2 There was nothing but land: not a country at all, but the material out of which countries were made. I had the feeling that the world was left behind, that we had got over the edge of it, and were outside man's jurisdiction. I had never before looked up at the sky when there was not a familiar mountain ridge against it. But this was the complete dome of heaven, all there was of it […]. Between that earth and that sky I felt erased, blotted out (1.1.10). |
Can you start to see why we venture a theory that the Nebraskan prairie – in all its vast expanse – is a little bit like the prospect of growing up for Jim? Jim faces adulthood as something vast and unknowable, something that is intimidating but to be respected, just like the landscape.
| Quote #3 Ambrosch and Ántonia were both old enough to work in the fields, and they were willing to work. But the snow and the bitter weather had disheartened them all...(1.10.24) |
This is a kind of foreshadowing to Mr. Shimerda's upcoming suicide, which you could argue is the result of the tough winter months. The natural elements have a strong influence on the lives of the characters.
