My Antonia context Flashcards
1
Q
how does the novel relate to Cather’s own life?
A
- she lived in Nebraska so much of the novel is based on her experiences as a child
2
Q
what government acts affected pioneers?
A
- the Homestead Act 1862
3
Q
what was the Homestead Act?
A
- offered 160 acre bits of land to settlers, for a small living fee
- this was in return for an agreement to work the land for a minimum of 5 years
4
Q
what were the problems with Homestead Act?
A
- many immigrants had poor farming experience and had no money to buy the equipment needed to cultivate the land
- the land was also almost impossible to farm even with proper equipment
5
Q
what options were there for women in 19th century America?
A
- women were expected to help with farm work, care for younger siblings, and get married
- if children were sent to school it was the boys
- women did not have the option to be financially independent
