Willa Cather’s greatness
Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather
Chasing Bright Medusas is an extraordinary book, beautifully written, confidently authoritative, and impressively concise. It provides a well-rounded account of Willa Cather, who I believe is the greatest American novelist of the past century.
In this captivating biography, Benjamin Taylor reveals that Willa Cather faced criticism from leading literary figures of her time. However, she has now gained acceptance from the harshest critic of all - Time itself. Over 75 years after her death, her novels and short stories continue to be immensely readable and significant, surpassing the works of once more highly regarded authors like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Throughout her career, Willa Cather defied categorization. Critics tried to confine her to various labels – anti-modernist, traditionalist, middlebrow, regional writer, women’s writer, and even a leading figure in LGBTQ literature. But she transcended all these categories and became something greater. She was a novelist with a profound subject – the American immigrant experience – and she tackled it with unparalleled skill. As Wallace Stevens wrote, “We have nothing better than she is.”
Early Life and Influences
Willa Cather was born in Virginia in 1873 and moved to Nebraska with her family in 1892. Despite her parents’ lack of culture, she discovered the joys of art and literature through a Jewish couple named Weiner and a store clerk named William Ducker. Her thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Nebraska, where she honed her writing skills and developed a deep appreciation for independent thinkers.
During this time, Willa Cather also came to terms with her homosexuality. However, as Benjamin Taylor emphasizes, her sexuality did not define her. She sought to rise above mere carnality and focused on her art. Today, she would likely reject being pigeonholed as a gay woman writer.
A Remarkable Career
In 1896, Willa Cather moved to Pittsburgh and began working for various publications. She also formed a lifelong friendship with Isabelle McClung, whom Taylor describes as her “great love.” Together, they traveled through Europe, where Willa found inspiration and a sense of belonging.
Her early works, including a collection of short stories titled The Troll Garden, received mixed reviews. However, she found success with her novels O, Pioneers! and The Song of the Lark. From there, she went on to write ten more novels, each showcasing her remarkable talent for storytelling.
Religion played a significant role in many of Willa Cather’s novels. Although she was an Episcopalian, her works often explored Catholic themes and spirituality. Her novel Death Comes for the Archbishop particularly resonated with Catholic readers, despite her not being a Catholic herself.
Willa Cather’s personal life reflected her aversion to avant-garde art and left-wing politics. She distanced herself from the darkness of modernism and believed in the power of novels that celebrated nobility. Her own novels exemplify this nobility, portraying the lives of immigrants, professors, priests, and ordinary people with great depth and compassion.
Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather by Benjamin Taylor is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the life and genius of this extraordinary American novelist.
Joseph Epstein is the author, most recently, of The Novel, Who Needs It? (Encounter Books).
What themes does Cather explore in her breakthrough novel “O Pioneers!” and how does it establish her as a significant voice in American literature?
For the natural beauty of the prairie landscape.
After graduating from college, Cather briefly worked as a journalist before moving to Pittsburgh to pursue a career in teaching. It was during her time in Pittsburgh that she began writing fiction, publishing her first stories in local magazines. These early stories focused on the lives of immigrants and the challenges they faced in the American Midwest, laying the foundation for her later work.
A Career of Literary Excellence
Cather’s breakthrough novel, “O Pioneers!” published in 1913, established her as a significant voice in American literature. The novel captured the struggles and triumphs of immigrant farmers, portraying the strength and resilience of the American spirit. This theme of the immigrant experience became a recurring motif in Cather’s work, culminating in her masterpiece, “My Ántonia” in 1918.
In “My Ántonia,” Cather beautifully weaves together the story of immigrant girl Ántonia Shimerda and narrator Jim Burden, capturing the essence of friendship, love, and the longing for a sense of belonging. The novel is a testament to Cather’s ability to create complex characters and evoke a deep emotional connection with her readers.
Cather’s later works, such as “The Song of the Lark” and “Death Comes for the Archbishop,” further solidified her reputation as a master storyteller. Her novels explored themes of art, music, religion, and the human condition, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Critics praised her vivid descriptions, rich character development, and ability to capture the essence of time and place.
Legacy and Impact
Willa Cather’s contributions to American literature cannot be overstated. Her novels and stories continue to resonate with readers of all generations, inspiring countless authors and artists. Her ability to depict the immigrant experience with compassion and authenticity has become a cornerstone of American literature, shaping the way we understand our nation’s history and cultural landscape.
Furthermore, Cather’s exploration of gender and sexuality has also contributed to her enduring legacy. While she never publicly identified as LGBTQ, her novels, such as “A Lost Lady” and “The Professor’s House,” feature complex and nuanced portrayals of same-sex relationships and unconventional gender roles. These themes, ahead of their time, have garnered renewed attention and admiration in recent years.
In conclusion, Willa Cather’s contribution to American literature is immeasurable. Her novels and stories capture the essence of the American immigrant experience, while also exploring timeless themes of love, friendship, and the human condition. Her ability to transcend categorization and create works of lasting beauty and significance solidifies her position as one of the greatest American novelists of the past century. As her influence continues to endure, we can only be grateful for the legacy she has left behind.
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