Question

What is the identity of the main character, Mr. Shimerda? How does Cather build his identity through the landscape? What happens to him as an immigrant? How does he lose touch with his identity? What role does the landscape play in this loss? Trace the development of the character from the beginning of the novel through Book 1. Use specific examples from the novel to build this answer. Consider the challenges this character faces and his actions as a result of those changes.

Successful answers will be answered completely through a series of paragraphs and will include several references to the text. Each paragraph should include at least one direct quote from the text outside of Chapter 1.

Answer 1

The main character, Mr. Shimerda, is an immigrant who slowly loses touch with his identity. He arrives in America with high hopes and dreams, but reality quickly sets in. He struggles to find work and make ends meet. He also struggles to find a place to belong. He is eventually forced to move to a new town, where he slowly assimilates into the American way of life. However, he never truly feels at home in America. The landscape plays a role in this loss of identity. Mr. Shimerda is constantly reminded of his homeland, which makes it difficult for him to fully embrace his new life in America.