Reader discussion: My Ántonia

Public reader discussion about My Ántonia by Willa Cather.

My Antonia: Book 1 Chapter 3 Discussion -

By Superuser

Jim’s whole “teach me, Ántonia” moment at the end really stuck with me. It’s kind of heartbreaking but also sweet, like he’s begging in this serious way. I also keep thinking about how Jim and Antonia first met—there was definitely tension there, and I’m not totally sure how it’s going to go from here. And then there’s the ring thing: Jim turning it down felt a little stubborn, but I get why he’d think it was too much or not a good idea. Also, the Shimerda family details and Peter Krajiek… I can’t tell if he’ll end up helping them or making things harder. What did everyone else notice?

My Antonia: Book 2 Chapter 6 Discussion -

By Superuser

Okay, wow—this is probably the last time I’m posting the discussion prompts for 2023. Thanks to everyone who jumped in and kept the convo going, even when it wandered a bit. Also, I love how winter’s back and Jim starts getting all poetic again (it feels like time just won’t stop moving, right?). Do you have a favorite season, and what’s your favorite part of it? And it seems like Jim’s really enjoying time with the Harlings, even with Mr. Harling being so stern. Antonia looks genuinely happy too—am I the only one not really surprised she’s not missing the farm life or the whole physical side of it? I’m curious what everyone thinks about Antonia’s story overall. I didn’t expect Mrs. Harling to be so kind of… calm? blasé? about a man’s suicide. That part feels really off to me, and I can’t decide what to make of it. Then Jim says Antonia and Mrs. Harling are very much alike, and he ends it with that line about not being able to imagine Ántonia living anywhere else in Black Hawk. Did anyone else get stuck on what he actually meant by that comparison and the last remark? Anyway, I’m done for the year, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what everyone brings up.

Just finished enjoying My Antonia and had a quick question for any expert out there

By RestlessBlue72

After I finished, I saw online that Jim and Lena had an affair while he was around Lincoln. I can see how Jim might fantasize about Lena more than he ever could with Tony, and that she definitely pulled his focus away from his work… but I honestly didn’t feel like they were actually getting together. Am I supposed to just assume it happened, or did I miss some more obvious hint/confession?