Lesson 1: My Ántonia—Book I
Study Questions
The study questions are provided to guide you to a deeper understanding of the novel’s important literary elements, such as setting, characters, plot, conflicts, mood, and themes. Do not submit the questions’ answers to your instructor, but carefully consider them as you complete this study session’s reading assignment.
Introduction
- What evidence can you find in the introduction that Jim Burton, the novel’s narrator, is a sensitive and observant individual?
- What hints are there in the introduction that Ántonia must have been, at least from Jim’s point of view, a unique person?
Book I, Chapter I
- What evidence is there in this chapter that Jim is innocent and naive about the “new world” that he’s about to enter?
- What is your initial impression of the Shimerdas, the “family from ‘across the water’ whose destination was the same as ours”? How many members are there in this immigrant family?
- About his first night in Nebraska, Jim says, “I did not say my prayers that night: here, I felt what would be would be.” What do you think Jim means?
Book I, Chapter II
- What are your first impressions of Jim’s grandmother? of Jim’s grandfather? of Jim’s grandparents’ house and farm?
- What indications are there that Otto Fuchs will be of great help to Jim as he adjusts to his new surroundings?
- As he sits alone in his grandmother’s garden, what feelings does Jim experience?
Book I, Chapter III
- Based on this chapter’s events, describe the relationship between neighbors on the prairie.
- Who is Peter Krajiek? How has Krajiek “got the better of” the Shimerda family?
- Identify and describe each member of the Shimerda family.
- What evidence is there in this chapter that Ántonia is “quick, and very eager”?
Book I, Chapter IV
- What kinds of things does Ántonia learn at the Burdens’ house?
- The Shimerdas “hated Krajiek, but they clung to him.” Why? Of what use is Krajiek to the Shimerda family?
Book I, Chapter V
- Who are Pavel and Peter? Why have the Shimerdas become friends with them?
- How does Pavel and Peter’s home differ from the Shimerdas’ home?
Book I, Chapter VI
- In this chapter, what evidence is there that Jim and Ántonia’s relationship has changed? How has it changed?
- What is the state of Mr. Shimerda’s health?
- What will Mr. Shimerda give to Jim when Jim is a “big boy”?
Book I, Chapter VII
- Jim says, “Much as I liked Ántonia, I hated a superior tone that she sometimes took with me.” What might Jim mean?
- How much older is Ántonia than Jim?
- Why is the killing of the rattlesnake so significant to Jim? to Ántonia?
Book I, Chapter VIII
- What difficulties are Pavel and Peter experiencing?
- What experience did Pavel and Peter have with wolves? Why do you think Pavel tells Mr. Shimerda the story about the wolves?
Book I, Chapter IX
- As winter arrives, how does the prairie landscape change?
- What might Jim mean when he says, “Our lives centered around warmth and food and the return of the men at nightfall”?
- Identify and describe the activities that take place at the Burdens’ house during winter.
