Unlike my typical book regurgitations, and because I would think there is only a 50% chance that you are an avid reader of literature, I will summarize My Antonia with only six lines from the entire book.
“At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great.” (21)
“Optima dies . . . prima fugit.” (208) – The best days are the first to flee.
“Primus ego in patriam mecum . . . deducam Musas” (208) – For I shall be the first, if I live, to bring the Muse into my country.
“It makes them feel important to think they’re in love with somebody.” (228)
“Lena gave her heart away when she felt like it, but she kept her head for her business and had got on in the world.” (234)
“And I don’t mind work a bit, if I don’t have to put up with sadness.” (267)
I also think it’s worth to credit Willa Cather with a quote from her other book O’ Pioneers! “I have a feeling that if you go away, you will not come back. Something will happen to one of us, or to both. People have to snatch at happiness when they can, in this world. It is always easier to lose than to find. What I have is yours, if you care enough about me to take it” (Part II: XII)
Stay Positive & Finding These Quotes Is Why I Read (well … one reason at least)
Garth E. Beyer
Here is the essay I wrote to go with this book. MyAntoniaproject
