![]() ![]() As such, I will deconstruct a number of feminist approaches to Cather’s novel in an effort to identify what type of feminist heroine Alexandra exemplifies. However, as this paper describes, the embrace of Alexandra’s character by feminist theorists is equally problematic. Since her forgiveness does not stem from sentiments resulting from the dynamic between the four of them, her forgiveness is thus problematic and in need of explanation. Alexandra’s forgiveness of Frank is counterintuitive to the reader’s understanding of her attitude toward Frank, Emil and Marie. Cather offers clear textual proof that indicates Alexandra’s strong dislike for Frank, her love for Emil and her esteem for Marie. Yet, Alexandra’s reaction to Frank’s crime seems to oppose the established relationships within the text. Further, Alexandra expresses sympathy for Frank when she states: “I haven’t come here to blame you, Frank … I think they were more to blame than you” (190). At the end of Willa Cather’s 1913 frontier novel O Pioneers!, the heroine Alexandra Bergson forgives Frank Shabata for the double murder of her younger brother, Emil, and Frank’s wife, Marie. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |