Starting from a Swedish-American immigrant in the farm country of Hanover, Cather artificially writes a fiction, mirroring societal situation in the early 20th century. Bergsons’ family, taking as an example, partly shapes and builds the life structure in America. Specifically, Alexandra has devoted herself in young age, lifting up her family and confronting with the social pressure. At the same time of having hardship, this individual has never given up her intention to preserve what she already owned and striven to achieve her dream of developing her farmland. Cather also emphasizes on page 26, “The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman.”

While every immigrant cannot deal with the economic issues then decide to leave their farmlands, Alexandra highly commits to stick with her land even though it is risky to own the bank’s contracts. She invests her time to go down among the river farms with Emil, trying to make sure her decision of staying up there is absolutely right. She goes to ask Ivar, seeking for advice to retrieve her family’s farmland as the father’s will. So to speak, she has tried all her best to save family’s heritage. Cather also shows that it is not necessary that only man can lead the family. Alexandra, who represents the potential women, is one of the good role model for eliminating discrimination against women in the society.

At this first half of novel, Alexandra’s dream comes true. Her hard work does pay off. I am very curious of what is going on after this scenario.