Essay about A Psychoanalytical Look at Jim Burden in My...

A psychoanalytical look at the characters of My Antonia provides a better understanding of action vs. intent of each individual, particularly Jim Burden. The introduction prepares the reader by laying out a profile of Jim. Without the understanding of the origin of the novel the reader would not be able to assess the true meaning of the novel nor would they really grasp the concepts and issues that are being discussed through the story itself. So, with this essay I will bring together the importance of the introduction and how it correlates to Jims search for a parental role. Jim Burden is one of the more complex characters that any one reader will ever encounter. His abandonment issues and just his whole†¦show more content†¦He and Antonia, a neighbor girl, enjoy the ecstasy which nature can afford to them. And he develops a profound affection with Antonia. Moreover, he feels the happiness of being dissolved into something complete and great (Cather 14). It shows Jims intimate relation with nature. However, seasons change. When boys and girls are growing up, life cant stand still . . . . They have to grow up, whether they will or no (Cather 124). So when Jim is old enough to go to high school, the Burden family moves to a nearby town, Black Hawk. Jim says good-bye to childhood and nature, but, when Antonia also comes to town as a helper for the Harlings, he still keeps a close relation with Antonia. However, one night in order to protect Antonia from Wick Cutters sexual attack, Jim sleeps in Antonias bed and is attacked by Mr. Cut ter. He is frightened and runs away. Having finished the studies in high school, Jim makes another journey moving from Black Hawk to Lincoln to receive college education. There not only nature but also Antonia seems to him so far away, but Jim misses them all and awaits a return to her. Before going to Harvard, Jim goes back to his home town and pays a visit to Antonia. After this brief visit to his country home, Jim goes to Harvard for advanced study and does not return until about twenty years after. The middle-age Jim goes