At Last, Literary Pioneer Willa Cather is Having a Moment

Benjamin Taylor’s Biography Pays Tribute to Cather’s Enduring Legacy

Willa Cather, the literary pioneer known for her novels such as “My Ántonia” and “A Lost Lady,” is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Benjamin Taylor’s new biography, “Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather,” explores Cather’s life and work, shedding light on her enduring impact on American literature. With a series of Cather anniversaries approaching in 2023, including the 100th anniversary of her Pulitzer Prize win, her birth centenary, and the publication centenary of “A Lost Lady,” celebrations and staged readings of her work are taking place across the country. Cather’s influence is further immortalized with the unveiling of her sculpture in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Taylor’s biography offers a deep dive into Cather’s life and writing, providing a fresh perspective on this beloved literary figure.

A Journey into Cather’s World

In a journey reminiscent of Cather’s own descriptions of the Nebraska landscape, the author of this article attended the Willa Cather Conference in Red Cloud, Nebraska. The vast farmland and open skies served as a backdrop for discussions about Cather’s novels, particularly her 1922 work “One of Ours,” which vividly depicts the 1918 flu pandemic and World War I. This novel, despite criticism from Ernest Hemingway, went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1923, a testament to Cather’s storytelling prowess.

The Year of Cather

As 2023 approaches, a series of Cather anniversaries will be celebrated. These include the 100th anniversary of her Pulitzer Prize win, the sesquicentennial of her birth, and the publication centenary of “A Lost Lady.” To honor these milestones, events and readings of Cather’s work are being organized nationwide. The recent unveiling of her sculpture in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol further solidifies her place as one of America’s greatest writers.

Benjamin Taylor’s Tribute

Benjamin Taylor’s biography, “Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather,” is a fitting tribute to the literary icon. Taylor’s access to Cather’s previously restricted letters provides a fresh perspective on her life and work. Cather’s insistence that her writing, not her personal life, be the focus of attention has made previous biographies challenging. However, Taylor’s meticulous research and insightful analysis offer readers a comprehensive understanding of Cather’s literary journey.

Cather’s Anti-Modernism

One of the defining aspects of Cather’s writing is her anti-modernist stance. Taylor explores how Cather’s upbringing in Red Cloud, surrounded by immigrants and a sense of an older world, shaped her worldview. Unlike her contemporaries such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald, who wrote cynically about ideals, Cather saw ideals as the most real and meaningful aspects of life. Taylor’s biography delves into this aspect of Cather’s work, shedding light on her unique perspective.

Unraveling Cather’s Sexuality

Cather’s sexuality has long been a subject of speculation and debate. Taylor navigates this complex topic with nuance, examining the evidence and offering thoughtful insights. While Cather’s relationships with women, such as Isabelle McClung and Edith Lewis, suggest her homosexuality, Taylor acknowledges that Cather herself may not have consciously identified as such. He delves into Cather’s novels, where sex is often portrayed as a disruptive force, and friendships take center stage. Taylor’s exploration of Cather’s sexuality adds depth to our understanding of her life and work.

Conclusion:

As the “Year of Cather” comes to a close, the enduring legacy of Willa Cather shines brighter than ever. Benjamin Taylor’s biography, “Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather,” offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Cather’s life and work. With a renewed appreciation for her contributions to American literature, readers can delve into Cather’s novels and discover the enduring power of her storytelling. From the vast Nebraska landscape to the complexities of her personal life, Cather’s impact continues to captivate readers and inspire future generations of writers.