Meet the Past: Willa Cather - May 24, 2012

[@marycahill546]

Jan Chapman does such a great job of bringing Cather to life. One of my favorite writers. Thanks for posting!

[@craigberg1942]

Bravo! Jan Chapman's performance brings Willa to life!

[@veritas6335]

Amazing acting job by Ms Chapman.

[@carlmarks5691]

this is amazing, what a renactmetnt by Jen Chapman....I am currently preparing a lesson plan on A Wagner Matinee, and while not addressed here, it makes so much sense no...the wide open spaces and stories of nature being open and loving

[@153331995]

WILLA CATHER is one of my favourite writers , thanks for this video .

[@Debunker246]

thanks for uploading this ...quite good

[@emilyburke2491]

My grandmother grew up as a contemporary of Willa Cather in Red Cloud. She was not a fan. Willa annoyed her female classmates by being a free spirit. In an age when women were far from emancipated, Miss Cather would loosen her braids so that her hair fell free (scandalous!) and, to make things worse, she would consort with the "Bohemians" who were constructing the railroad. ("Neighbor Kalicki") Her behavior was considered very inappropriate so it was with a large sense of disbelief that her peers from Red Cloud had to realize she was unique and a literary force. If one said the name "Willa Cather" around Grandma, the instant reaction was for her eyes to close and her head to shake from side to side in disapproval. While Miss Cather is highly regarded these days - she had a lot of prejudice directed her way when she began her career.

[@brandydinsmore8214]

Emily Burke you make me wish i had met here!

[@HellenaHanbasquet]

That's an interesting perspective, letters and other perspectives show she stood out but was well loved by many up until her death. I suppose everyone has their fans, confidants and haters.

[@JB-uv4hm]

Typical small town bs. The very thing that WC wished to escape and fortunately did. 99% of those that live in the Plains don’t even recognize the song of the Lark.

[@dawnreneegmail]

Jealousy and envy is the scent I detect off those girls as they watched a peer blow off the frivolous trappings bestowed upon them by their idea of propriety. Her peers were probably asked and bothered about Willa and what she was about. What juicy hours of nonsensical gossip Willa must have inspired for these dull girls. No shade on your grandmother, but I wonder if she secretly wished to be Willa!

[@sophiahix-wood2240]

I can't believe I'm related to thou women. She's amazing! She has accomplished so much in her lifetime.

[@TheMikester307]

I love her listing of the four "women writers" around 11:25.

[@lindawatkin4411]

This was a a wonderful introduction to Willa Cather.I wonder if she would have really been this animated?

[@jackbuckley7816]

Linda Watkin----it's probable Cather wasn't that animated. She lived in a non-media savvy age, when people, even celebrities, were far more reserved & low-key. This is a great portrayal but historical impersonators in general tend to interject too much personality & theatricality into their subjects, as if required for modern audiences. I've seen Lincoln portrayers far too energetic & over-the-top, for example. Anyway, I think your question is perceptive.

[@wendygerrish4964]

She knew Yehudi Menuhin! I must read her books, and why isn't she a household name?

[@merccadoosis8847]

When I was a student in college way back in 1970 she was well known nationwide. Sadly, her profile has declined over the years though her works are worthy of everyone's attention. She wrote about pioneers but, in fact, was a pioneer of sorts in that she wrote of modern alienation due to one's sexual orientation as contrasted with heteronormative society and also due to mental health vulnerability. There is a recorded televised interview with the Menuhin siblings and they refer to her as Auntie Willa. In fact, Yaltah's son Lionel Rolfe wrote a book about his mom's relationship with Cather. It was sorta like a mom-daughter deal. I have read *My Antonia* and _Paul's Case_ and plan to read a few more of her works. Enjoy her writings!