Willa Cather ( )

The Early Years Born in Virginia– considers herself a Southerner Born in Virginia– considers herself a Southerner Raised in Red Cloud, Neb. Raised in Red Cloud, Neb.

Rebellion During her adolescence, Cather was determined to escape the traditional role women were assigned. During her adolescence, Cather was determined to escape the traditional role women were assigned. 1886, her mom was too ill to tend Willa’s curls, so Willa marched to the barber and had her hair cut like a boy’s. (Brown 16) 1886, her mom was too ill to tend Willa’s curls, so Willa marched to the barber and had her hair cut like a boy’s. (Brown 16) Signs her name “William Cather, Jr. and dressed much as a boy until her second year in university" (O’Brien 11) Signs her name “William Cather, Jr. and dressed much as a boy until her second year in university" (O’Brien 11)

Work Taught in Pennsylvania Taught in Pennsylvania Became a writer/editor in New York for McClure’s Magazine Became a writer/editor in New York for McClure’s Magazine Novels: My Antonia, O Pioneers!, One of Ours Novels: My Antonia, O Pioneers!, One of Ours Denied movie, radio, or media production of her works in her will Denied movie, radio, or media production of her works in her will

Family Never married Never married Long term relationship with Edith Lewis Long term relationship with Edith Lewis

Themes The life of the artist The life of the artist –Sacrifice for art –In the East –Misunderstood by family and friends The character of the pioneers The character of the pioneers

Sources Brown, Maron Marsha, and Ruth Crone. Willa Cather: The Woman and Her Works. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, Print. O’Brien, Sharon. Willa Cather: The Emerging Voice. New York: Oxford University Press, Print. Reuben, Paul P. "Chapter 7: Willa Cather." PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. Web. 12 Jan 2010.