Writing Assignment #1: After reading, complete any two of the essay questions below.
1. Jim defines happiness in Book I, Section II (just at the end) as “ . . . to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.” Would Antonia agree with this definition?
_ Write a 250-word essay, formal tone, to express your opinion about this question.
_ Be sure to include at least three quotes that will strengthen your argument.
2. Mr. Shimerda begs Jim to “Te-e-ach, te-e-ach my Antonia” in Book I, Section III (just at the end). Who learns more through their relationship, Jim or Antonia?
_ Write a 250-word essay, formal tone, to express your opinion about this question.
_ Be sure to include at least three quotes that will strengthen your argument.
3. In My Antonia, Cather uses symbols from nature to express the essential aspects of the lives of the characters. Some symbols are of the land: the prairie, the grass, winter, etc. Other symbols are animals: badgers, wolves, rattlesnakes, larks, etc. Choose three symbols and discuss how they convey information about the daily lives of the characters, how the characters relate to each other and/or how Cather views life.
_ Write a 250-word essay, formal tone, to express your opinion about this question.
_ Be sure to include at least three quotes that will strengthen your argument.
4. Overall, Cather seems to admire Antonia. Name and discuss three characteristics that Antonia exhibits that lead to Cather’s admiration.