Part 1: Introduction: Read Willa Cather’s O Pioneers!

Part 1: Introduction : Read Willa Cather’s O Pioneers! (1913) In this Wor

Examine the American Dream with an eye to gender, focusing on whether women dare to dream, what those dreams are, and how they compare with men's. Consider how Alexandra's character and actions reflect her place and time, and how women like her helped pave the way for gender equality. Explore the American romance with land, the idea of starting anew, and whether this myth persists today. Discuss who Alexandra is, what her dream entails, whether she attains it, and the key factors behind her success. Analyze her life in the context of gender roles, her status among her community, and her opportunities, comparing her to characters like Ragged Dick and philosophies from Emerson. Address how gender influences the pursuit of the American Dream, the dynamics between Alexandra and her brothers, and the criticisms faced by her suitor Carl. Contrast this with Lauren Sandler’s critique of the American Dream, focusing on societal issues concerning women and families, and reflect on how Alexandra might view Sandler’s perspectives.

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The American Dream has long been a symbol of opportunity, boundless possibility, and individual achievement. In Willa Cather’s O Pioneers! (1913), this dream is embodied through the character of Alexandra Bergson, a resilient woman who embodies both the pioneering spirit and the evolving role of women within American society. Her journey explores complex issues of gender, land, ambition, and societal expectations, providing a nuanced perspective on what it means to pursue and attain the American Dream in the early 20th century.

Alexandra is introduced as a determined and hardworking young woman, who inherits her father’s farm after his death, becoming the head of her family. Her unwavering dedication to the land and her vision for its prosperity define her dream: to cultivate and sustain her family’s legacy, transforming her modest farm into a prosperous enterprise. Her dreams are deeply rooted in the ideals of independence, self-reliance, and belonging—traits traditionally associated with the American frontier and the land itself, which has historically symbolized freedom and opportunity. Her realization of this dream, however, is neither straightforward nor guaranteed, as she confronts societal constraints, gender expectations, and economic hardships that threaten her ambitions.

Walt Whitman’s poem Pioneers!, which the assignment references, celebrates the symbolic and literal conquest of the land by pioneers, emphasizing qualities like courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the American promise. Whitman’s depiction of pioneers as intrepid explorers aligns with the image of the American Dream as a land of opportunity for those willing to work hard and persevere. Cather’s portrayal of Alexandra echoes these qualities; like Whitman’s pioneers, she embodies the resilience necessary to carve out a space for herself in a predominantly male rural society. Whitman's celebration of the land as a symbol of the American Dream underscores the importance of physical connection to the land, the idea of ownership, and the pursuit of prosperity through individual effort.

Considering Emerson’s philosophy, particularly his emphasis on self-reliance, Alexandra exemplifies the traits of a self-reliant individual. She does not depend on others to define her path or her success; instead, she embraces her talents, her vision, and her sense of purpose. Her American Dream is to sustain her farm and family, to forge her own future beyond societal expectations of women, and to achieve a form of economic independence. By the end of the novel, Alexandra’s unwavering commitment to her land and her family suggest she has partially realized her dream, though challenges remain. Her key to success lies in her resilience, her ability to adapt, and her firm belief in her own judgment—qualities praised by Emerson. In contrast, characters like Ragged Dick, who epitomize frugality and self-control, and Emerson himself, advocate for individualism and self-determination as essential components for fulfilling the American Dream.

The novel also subtly addresses gender dynamics and women’s opportunities. Alexandra’s role as head of the household and her leadership in the community challenge traditional gender roles. Her relationship with her brothers demonstrates both reliance and independence—she supports herself and her family without traditional reliance on a male provider. Her silence and strength contrast with the more traditional, passive roles expected of women of her time. Her suitor, Carl, symbolizes the typical masculinity rooted in economic power, but he is criticized for lacking the resilience and vision that Alexandra embodies. Today, such criticism could be more forgiving, but the underlying gender expectations about strength and independence remain relevant.

Sandler’s critique of the American Dream in “The American Nightmare” offers another perspective, emphasizing materialism, inequality, and societal neglect. She critiques contemporary society’s failure to support women, families, and marginalized groups in achieving true fulfillment. Her view suggests the American Dream has become increasingly exclusive and corrupted, a far cry from the pioneering ideal. Alexandra, who has no children or cultural expectations tied to traditional family structures, might see Sandler’s ideas as reflective of modern failings—an erosion of the community-centric, land-based values she champions.

In conclusion, Alexandra’s story underscores that the American Dream, historically intertwined with land, independence, and resilience, is accessible but fraught with societal obstacles. Her journey exemplifies how gender influences opportunities and success, challenging traditional roles and expectations. Her resilience and leadership demonstrate that women can indeed pursue and attain their dreams, provided they possess determination and a sense of self-reliance. Reflecting on Sandler’s critique, we see that societal and systemic reforms are necessary to truly democratize the dream’s promise for all genders and classes. Alexandra’s life embodies the enduring qualities of pioneers—courage, resilience, and hope—and serves as a testament to the evolving nature of the American Dream amidst changing societal landscapes.

References

• Cather, Willa. (1913). O Pioneers!. Harper & Brothers.
• Emerson, Ralph Waldo. (1841). Self-Reliance. The Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
• Whitman, Walt. (1865). Pioneers!. The Complete Poems of Walt Whitman.
• Sandler, Lauren. (2014). The American Nightmare. The Atlantic.
• Hughes, Langston. (1926). The Negro Speaks of Rivers. The Poetry Foundation.
• Friedan, Betty. (1963). The Feminine Mystique. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Hochschild, Arlie. (1983). The Managed Heart. University of California Press.
• Langston, Langston Hughes. (1930). Harlem. The Poetry Foundation.
• DeBois, W.E.B. (1903). The Souls of Black Folk. A.C. McClurg & Co.
• Roosevelt, Theodore. (1903). The Strenuous Life. Henry Holt and Company.