JOURNAL ARTICLE

"All That Her Name Recalls": Sexual Violence, the Archive, and the Art of Indirection in My Ántonia.

  • Published In: Western American Literature, 2024, v. 59, n. 3. P. 229 1 of 3

  • Database: America: History and Life with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Jay, Betty 3 of 3

Abstract

The article from Western American Literature delves into the intricate portrayal of sexual violence, memory, and the art of indirection in Willa Cather's novel "My Ántonia." The narrative explores the elusive presence of Ántonia Shimerda, inspired by Anna Pavelka, and the discoveries made by Donna Devlin, revealing aspects of Annie's history previously overlooked. Devlin's archival work uncovers a record of rape, illegitimacy, and maternal loss, shedding light on the experiences of hired girls in late nineteenth-century Nebraska. Cather's strategic use of indirection and protective measures in representing sexual violence in the novel is highlighted, emphasizing the complexities of storytelling and the ethical considerations involved. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Western American Literature. 2024/10, Vol. 59, Issue 3, p229
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0043-3462
  • DOI:10.1353/wal.2024.a947256
  • Accession Number:181988639
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Western American Literature is the property of Western Literature Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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