Master's Theses

Department

English

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to appraise the strength and individualism of the principal characters in the novels of Willa Cather. A few critics -- Hicks, Bloom, and others -- have stated that her characters are only types; nevertheless, they have placed Willa Cather on the list of great American novelists. Since Cather’s writing is proving more popular in recent years, the study of the characters in her novels seems to be a timely and worthwhile project for research. For a long time this type of study has been prevalent with scholars of theses, book reviews, and essays. Character interpretation involves philosophy, human relationships, frustrating circumstances, central ambition, attitudes, and other aspects of personality. This thesis gives the opportunity for interpreting the characters as Cather, the writer, and critics understand them. Although some kind of interpretation can be made without knowledge of background, this interpretation is based up on a general understanding of Cather's life, philosophy, attitudes, and influences.

Keywords

Literary criticism, Books, Authors, Willa Cather (1873-1947), American literature, Mental states

Advisor

Dr. Ralph V. Coder

Date of Award

Summer 1953

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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