Use of environment, landscape and cycles in My ÁntoniaThe landscape and environment in My Ántonia by Willa Cather, play several roles. It creates both a character and a protagonist, while also reflecting the main characters of Cather, Jim and Ántonia, and forming the structure of the novel. Additionally, it evokes several themes that existed on the prairie at the time the story takes place. Some of these themes that directly relate to the novel and are worth exploring are endurance, hardship, and spirituality. Additionally, the symbolism of "hot and cold" weather will be examined, revealing the importance it has in the novel overall. The analyzes will explain in more detail the construction of the novel by Cather, which is based on three cycles: the cycle of the seasons, the cycle of life and physical development and finally the cultural cycle. It is important to first note the general symbolism of the Nebraskan's land. represents. As Altieri suggests, while land is a “powerful protagonist in the conflict to survive and thrive,” it also represents the great difficulties and rewards that result (1). Common knowledge tells us that everything that sustains life comes from the land, and this information serves to illustrate the general impact that the land and environment can have on life. However, because land is so important to society, it also represents hard work, sacrifice and hardship. If the land is dry, frozen or hungry, so are the people who depend on it. Nonetheless, Altieri notes, "the country Nebraskan in My Ántonia symbolized permanence, endurance, hardship, freedom of spirit, and personal creativity" (1). Ántonia's family, the Shimerdas, arrive middle of paper...... preview of My Antonia. " Murphy's Critical Essays 145-147. Dyck, Reginald. "The Feminist Critique of Willa Cather's Fiction: A Review Essay." Women's Studies 22 (1993): 263-279. Ferguson, Mary Anne. "My Antonia in Studies on Women: Pioneering Women and Men - The Myth and the Reality. . "Displacing Homosexuality: The Use of Ethnicity in Willa Cather's My Antonia." Rosowski, Susan J., ed. Approaches to Teaching Cather's My Antonia: The Modern Language Association of America 1989. Trilling, Lionel “Modern Critical Views of Willa Bloom: Her Life and Art Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.”.. 1970.