O Pioneers!

In Part 3, winter descends upon Hanover again. The weather recalls harder times, when snowstorms would destroy livelihoods, but the town is now more secure and can survive the difficult Nebraskan winters. The symbolism of winter correspondingly develops beyond death and destruction. In literature, winter’s stasis often makes it a time of peace and reflection. Characters must practice fortitude in the darkness that surrounds them, and the natural world’s dormancy provides them with time to reflect on their pasts and think about their futures. This quiet reflection is evident in Marie’s conversation with Alexandra. The winter has given Marie the time and space to reconsider her marriage to Frank. She is saddened by her realization that she married Frank too young and without really knowing him. Marie grew up spoiled by the men in her family, which places high expectations on Frank. Frank is not fully himself with Marie because their personalities are not compatible. However, despite this sadness, Marie looks ahead to the future. She knows from experience that the springtime will bring a lighter mood and a more forgiving environment. Spring is therefore also a symbol. Just as warmer weather follows winter, so too can internal conflicts dissipate with time.

The symbolism of winter also highlights the isolation of rural communities. Without an easy path to visit Marie, Alexandra lacks the constant and reliable company of her friend. Alexandra too is therefore alone with her thoughts, and Cather encourages her reader to consider winter through this lens. There is beauty in harshness, even when that harshness extends to self-analysis. Without periods of reflection, characters can neither appreciate their community nor grow into their true selves independent of society’s influences. Though Hanover is tight-knit, some weather-enforced distance between neighbors can be a good thing.

These chapters focus on women—specifically, on the conflicting feelings women may have about men. Marie and Alexandra rely on one another for support in dark times, making men unnecessary. Their friendship is deep and gives each woman a confidante away from the judgment of men. This is especially important in a society in which men are central to women’s lives in ways that can be hard to emotionally disentangle. Marie is concerned about Frank because she genuinely cares for him but also because she has learned to put his needs before her own. Consequently, when she realizes that they are not the most suitable partners for one another, she withdraws into herself in uncharacteristic ways. This demonstrates the hold marriage has on women; in analyzing Frank’s changed behavior, Marie turns against herself. Likewise, her sense that she owes Frank loyalty for what he has done for her prevents her from pursuing her own happiness. Marie pines for Emil but doesn’t give herself enough time to think through that desire.

Alexandra is in a different situation. Though she is not married and has never been in love, men remain important to her life. First among these men is Emil, who pops up in Alexandra’s happiest memories. Furthermore, though Alexandra has never loved or needed a man romantically, she does fantasize about an unidentified man carrying her into the house. This suggests that Alexandra could have found love with a man if survival and struggle hadn’t dominated her life. Alexandra is a subversive female character, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have her own needs and desires. Men’s presence (or lack thereof) is important to the women in this novel, even if they are strong and independent.

Also important is the issue of hindsight. The citizens of Hanover are tough and have to constantly look ahead. They have to plan months in advance for sowing and harvesting, and they need to remember the impending spring in order to survive the difficult winters. This leaves little time for reflection about the past, but these chapters emphasize the importance of hindsight. Only through time and experience can people see their past actions with clarity. Marie can now look back on her love affair with Frank as youthful and lacking in insight; she did not understand at the time how they might develop as individuals and as a couple. Alexandra can look back on her memories to appreciate the beauty of her present moment. Cather encourages her reader to live with a full picture of their life in mind: Past, present, and future are all important to Cather’s characters’ development.