Use of Environment, Landscape and Cycles in My ÁntoniaThe landscape and environment in Willa Cather's My Ántonia play several roles. It creates both a character and a protagonist, while also reflecting the main characters of Cather, Jim and Ántonia, as well as forming the structure of the novel. Additionally, it evokes several themes that existed on the prairie during the time the story takes place. Some of these themes directly related to the novel, which are worth exploring, are resistance, hardship, and spirituality. The symbolism of the "hot and cold" climate will also be examined, revealing the meaning it has on the novel overall. The analyzes will further explain Cather's construction of the novel, which is based on three cycles: the cycle of seasons, the cycle of life and physical development, and, finally, the cultural cycle. It is important to first note the general symbolism of the land of Nebraska. represents. As Altieri suggests, if on the one hand the land is a "powerful protagonist of the conflict to survive and prosper", on the other it also represents the great difficulties and great rewards that derive from it (1). Common knowledge tells us that everything needed to sustain life comes from the earth, and this information serves to illustrate the overall impact that the earth and the environment can have on life. However, because land is so important to society, it also represents hard work, sacrifice, and hardship. If the land is dry, frozen or hungry, so are the people who depend on it. However, Altieri notes, "the country of Nebraska in Mia Ántonia symbolized permanence, resistance, hardship, freedom of spirit, and personal creativity" (1). Ántonia's family, the Shimerdas, arrive......center of the paper......review of My Antonia." Murphy's Critical Essays 145-147.Dyck, Reginald. "The Feminist Critique of Willa Cather's Fiction : A Review Essay." Women's Studies 22 (1993): 263-279. Ferguson, Mary Anne. "My Antonia in Women's Studies: Pioneer Women and Men: Myth and Reality." Rosowski's Approaches to Teaching 95 -100. Helmick, "The Mysteries of Antonia." Bloom's Willa Cather, 109-119 Studies 36 (1990): 91-111.Rosowski, Susan J., ed. Approaches to Teaching My Antonia New York: The Modern Language Association of America 1989.Trilling, Lionel "Willa Cather's Modern Critical Views 7-15.Woodress . James Willa Cather: His Life and Art Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. 1970.