The first 50 pages of the novel introduces the reader to the Swedish Bergson family as well as characters of the Divide, a region of the frontier.
Upon their father’s death, the Bergson siblings are faced with the decision to remain on the frontier tying their fate to the success of the land or to retreat to the city where work is sure to be found. Alexandra, the protagonist of the story, was left as head-of-house following her father’s death and decides to remain. Sixteen years later, we find that she had made the eventually fruitful decision as the value of the land rose, making the family rich.
The conflict between individual security versus greater purpose is evident. For example, we are introduced to the Divide as many families are quitting the pursuit of making it on the frontier to return to the city. While Alexandra could have decided to return to the city which would have resulted in a considerably easier life for herself, she picks the harder choice of working the land. We see the difficulty in finding purpose on the frontier on page 49 with Carrie Jensen, who had attempted suicide multiple times because she failed to see beyond the monotonous fields. Alexandra attributes her purpose to her brother, Emil: “he is going to have a chance, a whole chance; that is what I’ve worked for.”
It will be intriguing to see the development of familial relationships within the Bergson family in the rest of the novel, as the characters grow more independent.
I really appreciate Mr. Bergson’s character. Considering the time period that the story took place, it was a surprise that Mr. Bergson’s gave his daughter the responsibility of being the head of household, even though he had two able-bodied sons. This reveals how close of a relationship the pair had being that not only was she able to envision her father’s dream unlike his other kids, but she was able to have the same faith. Having the level of faith she had was enormous. She was convinced her father prepared her family for a fruitful life, which gave her the ability to convince her brothers to trust in their father’s dream. Luckily, it all worked out, and the family became rich because they had sacrificed a lot and had a lot on the line.
I also found it quite surprising and pleasing that Mr. Bergson left his daughter in charge instead of his two sons. Throughout the novel I really enjoy how independent, strong, and smart Alexandra is. On the surface, she is the leader of the household, the remaining Bergson who clearly maintains the most power and influence over their land and the rest of her family. In addition, however, throughout the first 50 pages it becomes evident that while every character in the novel, even Ivar, seems extremely concerned about other people’s perception of them, Alexandra remains unfazed by the views and opinions of others. She is proud and confident in herself and demonstrates this time and time again as she is challenged by those around her.
I would also like to bring up the fact that Alexandra was a savior for her family name. This is important, especially since she is a girl, and she was in a jesus like position. Her struggling after her father died and her sacrifice allowed her to gain back the respect and the riches her grandfather had lost due to his draining relationship. Alexandra is able to see ahead of the rest of her family, and lead them to great opportunities for success. She seems to keep order. I also appreciate the fact that she is able to balance her “woman” work and “man” work, while maintaining her a level of leadership and wisdom that can’t be attached to a gender.
Alana brings up a good point about Alexandra being the savior for her family name and farm. Without her all would have been lost. Against all odds, Alexandra conquered the country to bring her family stability and fortune. Cather details the little hope found on the frontier for men. Even though settlers “told each other that the country was never meant for men to live in,” Alexandra chased a vision of her life that was not just “habitable” and easily achievable (19). The mundane things like “a steady job, a few holidays” that we now associate with happiness and even allude to the American Dream for some, left Alexandra wanting more. Cather talks about the importance of imagination, stating,”a pioneer should have imagination, should be able to enjoy the idea of things more than the things themselves.” Alexandra was able to imagine seemingly barren land as a future and enjoy the idea of success until she could find it to be tangible. Alexandra’s imagination reminded me of the conversation we had in class concerning the American Dream as something unrealized but still based in reality. For her, the possibility of the frontier was enough for her to keep fighting. It will be interesting to see how the idea of imagination is expanded on further in the novel. Imagination was not always enough for many on the frontier that gave up or even died trying to find the promise of a new place.
I agree with Saned in that I also think it will be quite interesting to see how imagination progresses in the rest of the novel, especially because this particular characteristic largely distinguishes Alexandra from the rest of the characters in the novel. As Carl discusses upon his return, the old country that required so much imagination and hope from its inhabitants no longer exists and in its place stands a nation of prosperity and growth. In such good circumstances, I wonder how Alexandra’s imagination and aspiration will continue to manifest itself.
As readers, we come to admire Alexandra’s character. She fulfilled her father’s wish and maintained a sense of hope in staying in Nebraska to tend to the land. She ignored the temptations to head East and invested herself into her future on the frontier. She made her success a reality. However, I don’t think we should ignore the role of luck in her situation. As the debt of many farmers grew, people became demoralized and searched for a new path of life. There comes a time when moving on to something new is the best decision. Lou explains to Alexandra, “There’s no use of us trying to stick it out, just to be stubborn. There’s something in knowing when to quit.” (Cather 22). Alexandra didn’t know what was going to be the outcome of her staying, but I give her a lot of credit for doing what she did. It’s not easy to stay calm when people surrounding you are panicking and actively doing something to change their situation.