Realism and Regionalism in "O Pioneers!"

"O Pioneers" by Willa Cather is yet another literary representation of the idea of Regionalism. Set in the midwest, Cather created a novel that included many details that were particular to the Midwest. Now most people say that there really is not a particular vernacular that goes along with the Midwest because they speak plain English and do not have a lot of their own words unlike other regions of the country. However, this absence of particular words and phrases and the use of plain and simple English in and of itself displays a type of Regionalism (Anderson). Simply by noting the absence of specific words or phrases, the reader can deduce exactly which region of the country the novel is, even without knowing where its set, which of course the reader does actually know (Anderson).

Another way this story reflects Regionalism is the focus put on farming and farmland in the midwest. Farming was an important part of their lifestyle and therefore incorporating and setting the story on farmland was the perfect way to represent the region in which it was set. By talking about the specific crops, namely corn, Cather was able to put a stamp on the region (Cather 489). She was able to do this because the area is known for its corn production and farming.

Although it is a work of Regionalism, the story also obviously falls under the category of Realism (Werlock). Realism is the use of facts and emotions in order to gain an emotional sort of response from the audience that is also grounded in facts (Werlock). This story is a great example of that. The place that this novel is set in was home to many struggles and hardships during the time period that this story takes place. Most of the livelihood of the are was dependent upon farmers and the economy that goes along with farming (Cather 489). When these times of struggles were upon them, they came together and made it through anyway (Cather 489).

This story reflects great ideas about Realism. Realism is reflected in the way that Willa Cather uses the emotional conditions of these people and their plights in order to gain sympathy and understanding from the reader. But it is also reflected in the way that she uses a real place with real issues that are grounded solely in facts about the way that things were (Cather 489). This was not something that Willa Cather made up all on her own; this was the way things were.

It has been said that if you want to write you should write about what you know. I have no proof as to where this came from, but I could bet you that it probably came from someone who had an idea about writing that went along the lines of Regionalism. In Regionalism an author uses a place that he or she is familiar with in order to bring the story to life (Anderson). Willa Cather lived in Nebraska during her lifetime, and there comes inspiration for the setting of the story.

Anderson, George P., Judith S. Baughman, Matthew J. Bruccoli, and Carl Rollyson, eds."regionalism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: Into the Modern: 1896–1945, vol. 3, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= EAmL1330&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 14, 2011).

Cather, Willa. "O Pioneers!" Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. pg. 489.

Werlock, Abby H. P. "realism." The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= Gamshrtsty0575&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 14, 2011).