Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

Many of Willa Cather’s longer fictional works, set in rural Nebraska, have been studied as examples of regionalist writing. She has been labelled the "muse of the Midwest." The themes embodied in her writing, however, are also of national interest, such as the conflicts between the prairies and the East, and between the frontier and civilization. Although critics have commented on the influence of Henry James on her early work, others note that she is not an exact fit in the categories of modernism or naturalism. There has been some debate amongst feminist critics about Cather’s portrayal of the roles assigned to women in families and society. Cather’s own unconventional relationships have been discussed by biographical critics, and used as a starting point for readings that emphasize her championing of unconventionality.

Author Links

Willa Cather Page
Well-organized presentation of websites on which to find Cather biography, bibliography, quotations, and photos.

Willa Cather Site
A helpful Cather timeline, along with detailed biographical essay and bibliographic information.

"There is something wrong about the fellow"
An interesting essay examining the reader’s role as investigative physician in "Paul’s Case."

Photo gallery
Eight photographs of Cather from different Internet sites.