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Willa Cather

Willa Cather. 1873-1947. Biographical Information. Born December 7, 1873 Spent first 9 years in Back Creek, Va Moved to Red Cloud, NE in 1883 Later named Catherton . Died April 24, 1947 of a cerebral hemorrhage. As a writer….

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Willa Cather

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  1. Willa Cather 1873-1947

  2. Biographical Information • Born December 7, 1873 • Spent first 9 years in Back Creek, Va • Moved to Red Cloud, NE in 1883 • Later named Catherton. • Died April 24, 1947 of a cerebral hemorrhage.

  3. As a writer… • Believed that an artist’s materials must stem from childhood impressions • Many of her texts were based on her childhood acquaintances and experiences • Leaving mountainous Virginia for the plains of Nebraska had a formative effect. • “I was little and homesick and lonely… So the country and I had it out together and by the end of the first autumn the shaggy grass country had gripped me with a passion that I have never been able to shake. It has been the happiness and curse of my life.” (Woodress 2)

  4. As a writer…Con’t. • University of Nebraska • Childhood dream of becoming a physician • Apprentice to Red Cloud doctor • Planning to study science and medicine. • English professor published her essay in the Lincoln newspaper. • Seeing her name had an “hypnotic effect” on her • She would become a writer • Managing editor of school newspaper, author of short stoires, theater critic & columnist for Nebraska State Journal & Lincoln Courier.

  5. As a writer…Con’t. • June 1896 moved to Pittsburgh for a managing editor position with Home Monthly (women’s magazine) • Still maintained her interest in music, drama, and writing • Met fellow theater lover, Isabelle McClung • Became closest friends • McClung encouraged Cather to write creatively (take a break from journalism) • April Twilights (1903) & The Troll Garden (1905)

  6. As a writer…Con’t. • Her work caught the eye of S.S. McClure, editor of the most famous muckraking journal: McClure’s Magazine • Published “Paul’s Case” and “The Sculptor’s Funeral” • Persuaded Cather to work for him • Enjoyed the prestige of the position • Published many pieces for the magazine anonymously

  7. As a writer…Con’t. • 1911 Cather left the maganaging position with McClure to focus on a full-time career in fiction. • Alexander’s Bridge (1912)- 1st novel. Mimiced Edith Wharton and Henry James. • O Pioneers! (1913)- Widely celebrated. Wrote about what and who she knows best. • My Antonia (1918)- Best loved novel. Romance novel. • H.L Mencken states “No romantic novel ever written in America, by man or woman, is one half so beautiful as My Antonia”

  8. As a writer…Con’t. • 1921 changed publishers • From Houghton-Mifflin to Alfred Knopf • Knopf allowed uncompromising freedom of work • Ensured financial success • Fostered her national reputation

  9. As a writer…Con’t. • Mood Changes • At the height of her career she psychologically changes • Compared to her epic novels of 1910s her post-war novels were saturated with disillusionment and despondency

  10. Later Years • Willa suffered with pain in her right wrist which kept her from writing. • She was living a secluded life by this time keeping in touch with only her closest family and friends. • She died April 24, 1947 of a cerebral hemorrhage.

  11. Mystery… • Cather burned many of her letters before passing away, and asked the recipients of her letters to do likewise. • As a result, much of her life is still a mystery.

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