Lesson 1 Navigation Bar

• • Study Session 1: Introduction; Book I, Chapters I–IX
    • Reading Assignment
    • Overview
    • Study Questions

• • Study Session 2: Book I, Chapters X–XIX
    • Reading Assignment
    • Overview
    • Study Questions

• • Study Session 3: Assignment
    • Assignment Instructions

Lesson 1: My Ántonia—Book I

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.

Book I, Chapter X

1. Why does Jim’s grandfather suggest that Jim’s grandmother visit the Shimerdas?
2. What pathetic conditions exist at the Shimerdas’ home?
3. What gift does Mrs. Shimerda send home with Jim’s grandmother?

Book I, Chapter XI

1. What gift does Jim create for Yalka?
2. When Jake returns home from taking Christmas gifts to the Shimerdas, what does Jake bring that has special significance for Jim?

Book I, Chapter XII

1. Compare and contrast conditions at the Burdens’ and Shimerdas’ houses on Christmas Day.

Book I, Chapter XIII

1. What does Jim dislike about Mrs. Shimerda?
2. What makes Mr. Shimerda so sad?

Book I, Chapter XIV

1. What was the apparent cause of Mr. Shimerda’s death? What alternate cause for Mr. Shimerda’s death does Jake advance?
2. Why does Jim suggest that Mr. Shimerda’s “exhausted spirit . . . was resting now in this quiet house”?

Book I, Chapter XV

1. What are your first impressions of Anton Jelinek?
2. Where does Mrs. Shimerda want her husband buried?

Book I, Chapter XVI

1. Why did Mr. Shimerda’s death have such a powerful effect on Jim?
2. What effect did Mr. Shimerda’s burial site have on the location of future intersecting roads?

Book I, Chapter XVII

1. With spring’s arrival, what changes have occurred in the Shimerdas’ lifestyle?
2. What is Ántonia’s explanation for not attending the local school? Is she telling the truth? Why or why not?
3. Why does Jim feel that Ántonia has grown up and no longer has time for him?

Book I, Chapter XVIII

1. What causes Jim to say about the Shimerdas, “I’ll never be friends with them again”?
2. What story does Ambrosch create to explain how Jake paid his fine for punching Ambrosch?
3. What does Ambrosch do with a week’s wages from working at a neighboring farm?
4. What debt owed to him by the Shimerdas did Grandfather forgive?

Book I, Chapter XIX

1. Despite the oppressive heat, Jim and Ántonia enjoy July. Why?