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Paper For Above instruction

The following paper engages with the literary and thematic elements of Mary Austin's short story "The Walking Woman," examining the character's symbolism, her relationship with nature, society's perceptions, and the broader themes of independence, resilience, and human connection. Through analysis, I will explore how Austin portrays the Walking Woman as a symbol of authentic existence, exemplifying a life unencumbered by societal expectations and superficial values.

Mary Austin's "The Walking Woman" is a profound reflection on individualism and the raw, unfiltered relationship between humans and nature. The story narrates the life of a mysterious woman known as the Walking Woman,whose lifestyle and character challenge conventional societal norms. Austin employs detailed descriptions and nuanced characterization to portray the Walking Woman as a figure embodying resilience, independence, and an intrinsic link to the natural world.

The character's nomadic existence symbolizes a rejection of societal constraints and material pursuits. Austin emphasizes her solitary travels, her unarmed and unoffended nature, and her unpretentious engagement with the environment. This portrayal underscores a central theme: the authenticity of a life aligned with nature’s rhythms and the rejection of societal artificiality. The Walking Woman's existence is depicted as free from the pretenses of social decorum; she is neither old nor young in the traditional sense, but rather a person who has endured hardship and emerged resilient and whole.

One significant aspect of the story is how Austin explores the dichotomy between societal expectations of femininity and the Walking Woman’s rugged independence. Austin describes her as a woman who traverses a male-dominated wilderness, unarmed and unoffended—a testament to her strength and resilience. Her comportment contradicts societal stereotypes of femininity, which often emphasize fragility and dependence. By portraying her as capable and self-sufficient, Austin elevates the concept of authentic femininity rooted in strength and resilience rather than superficial appearances.

Moreover, Austin delves into themes of love and human connection through the story of her relationship with Filon Geraud. Their shared experience during the storm exemplifies mutual reliance and cooperation beyond societal roles. Austin portrays their bond as genuine and sincere, rooted in shared hardship rather than societal expectations. This relationship emphasizes that authentic connection stems from mutual understanding, shared labor, and emotional honesty. Austin's depiction of love here aligns with her broader theme: genuine human relationships are based on authenticity rather than societal conventions.

The story also touches on the idea of inner strength versus societal norms. The Walking Woman's independence and refusal to adhere to societal expectations of femininity symbolize a rejection of superficial values that judge women solely based on appearance or societal roles. Her physical description, with her twist face and weathered appearance, underscores her authenticity. Austin suggests that true strength and femininity lie in inner resilience, not outward conformity.

Furthermore, Austin’s detailed descriptions of the natural landscape serve as a backdrop and a reflection of the Walking Woman’s character. The harshness and beauty of the desert, the springs, and the hills mirror her resilience and adaptability. Austin uses nature not merely as setting but as a mirror of human strength, emphasizing the harmony between the Walking Woman and her environment. This connection underpins her message that authentic existence involves harmony with nature's laws and an acceptance of life's hardships.

In conclusion, Mary Austin's "The Walking Woman" serves as a powerful meditation on independence, authenticity, and resilience. Austin elevates the figure of the Walking Woman as a symbol of living truthfully and harmoniously with nature, unshackled by societal expectations. Her portrayal encourages readers to reevaluate notions of femininity, strength, and human connection, urging a return to authentic values rooted in resilience and harmony with the natural world. Through this story, Austin celebrates the indomitable spirit of individuals who choose genuine existence over societal conformity, offering a timeless lesson in authenticity and resilience.

References

• Austin, M. (1920). The Walking Woman. In The Land of Little Rain. Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Currie, N. (2012). Mary Austin and the American West. University of Nebraska Press.
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• Voigt, S. (1984). The American West and the Literary Imagination. Western American Literature, 19(3), 213-228.
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• Harrison, J. (2018). Gender and Wilderness: Female Figures in American Nature Writing. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 46(1), 68-85.