True to its title, Cather’s novel celebrates the pioneer spirit. Alexandra is arguably the ultimate pioneer. What qualities make Alexandra a pioneer? Are there any other characters that could also be considered pioneers? Explain your answers by connecting your analysis to Cather’s themes of Sacrifice of Self for the Good of the Community and/or Respect the Power of the Land.

Teaching Suggestion: Encourage students to connect characters to the title after they have finished reading the novel and have reflected on the journey the characters undergo. Cather’s protagonist in this novel is both a character and a symbol of the pioneer spirit, but other characters (like Emil) are pioneers in their own way.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an approach that offers assistance in organizing thoughts and information, you might utilize the following table or a similar graphic organizer to help students identify “pioneering” characters and how they connect to themes.

Qualities of a Pioneer:

Character / Pioneer? (Y/N) / Why? / What theme does this character best represent?

Alexandra

Emil

Carl

Marie

Oscar and Lou

Ivar

Frank