Aryan Marandi

My Antonia Dialectal Journals

Introduction

Evidence: “He is a legal counsel for one of the great Western railways, and is sometimes
away from his New York office for weeks together. “ (p. 3)

Commentary: This example exhibits a general description of Jim Burden, the main
character in this passage. His occupation reflects that he is a prestigious person in the
eyes of society, and earns a good living. Later in the introduction, we find out that Jim is
now over forty years old. The description given by the author implies that Jim lives a
successful, happy life. His has an appearance of a young man with fresh color in his hair
and a sandy quality as well as quick-changing blue eyes. Another book where the
description of the character is important is One Fat Summer. In the novel, the
protagonist’s physical description plays a lot into his conflicts and life.

Book 1: The Shimerdas

Evidence: “ She liked me better from that time on, and she never took a supercilious air
with me again. I had killed a big snake- I was now a big fellow.” (p. 37)

Commentary: This quote reveals that Jim Burden is a dynamic character. After his
encounter with the snake, he shows his bravery and courage to handle such a dangerous
matter. Not only does he prove to himself that he can do such things, his status changes in
the eyes of his new friend, Antonia. Preceding this event, Antonia always looked down
upon him because she was a couple years older. However, Jim’s actions cause Antonia to
regard him as an equal now. I can personally relate to this in a time when I was seven
years old. I was competing in my first martial arts tournament and I had to perform
against older people. Although they were older than I was, I was still able to clench first
place in all of my events and make them see I was an equal to them in competition.

Evidence: “My grandfather said little. When he first came in he kissed me and spoke
kindly to me, but he was not demonstrative.” (p. 14)

Commentary: Josiah Burden, Jim’s grandfather, is a flat character. His attitude never
changes throughout the story. The reader sees him as a minor character whose depth is
very shallow. The descriptions of Grandfather do not delve deeply, nor is he ever
developed with the complexity of other characters. He generally acts the same way
towards others, calmly, and never shows any difference in response towards
circumstances. For example, he regards religion as a primary solution to problems. In
Johnny Tremain, Mr. Lapham is another flat character that resembles Mr. Burden. Both
are very religious and never develop throughout the plot.

Evidence: “My Papa, he cry for leave his old friends what make music with him.” (p. 62)
Commentary: This passage shows how Mr. Shimerda is a dynamic character in this
novel. After moving to America to make more money, he becomes saddened and
depressed due to the fact that he has left his best friends in his home country. The reader
can see that due to his experience, he changes for the worst from a happy man to one of
suicidal thoughts. The main characteristic that is altered by his circumstance is his
personality and attitude towards others. In the novel The House of the Scorpion, Felicia is
a character who is told to have changed from a person of normal behavior to the way she
acts throughout the novel, intoxicated and depressed.

Evidence: “If I live here, like you, that is different. Things will be easy for you. But they
will be hard for us.” (p. 93)

Commentary: Through this statement made by Antonia, the author conveys that she is a
rounded character. Jim asks her why she acts so crude around Ambrosch and nicer
around different people. Antonia’s reply shows that because she is a couple years older,
she understands more about why life is changing for both she and Jim. Her response
shows that her character has the complexity of a real person; the character shows
different sides and behaviors, not only one linear personality. Not only does she show a
variation in her attitude, but also she shows how her personality adapts in different
environments. This being, Antonia is a round character because her emotions and
personality have the sophistication of a real person. Another example of a round character
is presented throughout the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter is described in great detail
and is given the multi-dimensional figure as a character, making him rounded.

Evidence: “Krajiek was their only interpreter, and could tell them anything he chose.” (p.
19)

Commentary: The reader sees from this example the anti-hero traits that Peter Krajiek
possesses. He has deceived the Shimerdas into paying more for their property and
equipment to start working. By doing so, he cheated them out of many potential luxuries
they could have had. However, his characteristics of greed and deception allow him to
tamper with the welfare of those susceptible to being mislead and isolated by language
barriers in the frontier land of Nebraska. The traits in this character can be related to a
relative of mine who tries to take advantage of any person he trades with.

Evidence: “He looked lively and ferocious, I thought, and as if he had a history. A long
scar ran across one cheek and his left ear was gone, and his skin was brown as Indians.”
(p. 11)

Commentary: This passage is a general description of Otto Fuchs. Many things can be
inferred through this short example. This character’s appearance primarily gives off the
feeling that he is fierce and hostile. However, as Jim gets to know Otto closely, he finds
that is very lively and friendly. As seen in the text, the scars that Otto has reveals that he
has had a dangerous past, as well as the fact that he is much older. As a worker for Josiah
Burden, his skin color reveals how Otto Fuchs has worked many laborious hours in the
sun. This description is similar to a friend of mine who has many scars on his body that
link him to many events of his past. Those past experiences help compose his personality
of the present.

Evidence: “ I don’t want that Jake get more done in one day than me. I want we have
very much corn this fall.” (p. 82)

Commentary: Antonia’s expression seen through this dialogue shows her hero
personality. Her ambition and pride in the hard, strenuous work she does is exhibited
through her competitive attitude and motivation to thrive. Not only does she wish to work
hard and accomplish great things, she keeps the welfare of her family in mind. Antonia
wants her entire family to prosper enjoy more luxuries in life. Many would associate
these attributes to those of a respectable, haughty figure. Antonia Shimerda can be related
to Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. Both are strangers to a new society and work
extremely hard to accomplish great tasks.

Evidence: “She’ll lose all her nice ways and get rough ones. She had lost them already.”
(p. 84)

Commentary: After the death of Mr. Shimerda, Ambrosch and Antonia are forced to
become the lead workers on the farm. Due to this new style of work and life, Antonia’s
character experiences changes making her a dynamic character. She used to have the
innocence and elegance of little girl. However, hard labor has turned Antonia into a
woman with the personality of a man. While she talked of playing and more girlish things
before her father’s death, now Antonia mainly focuses on the quality of her strength and
ability to work. The main changes occurring in Antonia are mainly mental, yet
simultaneously physical changes. The stage that Antonia is seen at in this point in the
novel can be related to female athletes I have seen in different countries; they look so
muscular, they appear to be men, and manically focus on their physical conditioning.

Evidence: “At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and
great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.” (p. 18)

Commentary: This is a revelation made by Jim Burden upon experiencing his new life in
Nebraska with his grandparents. Although he is at a very young age when he moves
because of the death of his parents, Jim is starting to experience thoughts and events that
are progressing him towards maturity. This change occurring within Jim is evidence of
his dynamic growth. This quote shows how he is experiencing new aspects of life and
nature that are new to him, as well as developing parallels to the previously known events
that he understands. This mental change in Jim represents the dynamic growth that
continues throughout the novel, allowing Jim’s conflicts and involvement in the plot to
become more complex. Jim’s development and character can be closely related to that of
Harry Potter. Both characters are seen as maturing figures throughout the stories. As both
change with age and development, the degree of their problems intensify, and both
understand more about life and how to handle it.

Book 2: The Hired Girls

Evidence: “Frances was dark, like her father, and quite as tall. In winter she wore a
sealskin coat and cap…” (p. 101)

Commentary: This quote reveals the general description of Frances Harling. She is said
to be the oldest daughter in the family, and very important to her father’s business. She is
his chief clerk for his Black Hawk office and vital to his success. Her high salary is
apparent through her attire and style of life. This factor as well as her intelligence gives
her a respectable status in society. Frances is also dark skinned from past farm labor, and
very tall. This character reminds me of my aunt. Both have similar physical traits and
have worked on farms during their youth.

Evidence: “ I thought you liked children. Tony, what’s come over you? I don’t know,
something has.” (p. 136)

Commentary: This passage is additional evidence that Antonia is a dynamic character.

Her attitude and perspective change after her new habit of partying and attending dances
begins. Upon first starting her new job, Antonia enjoyed the presence of the young
children and the innocent moments they brought for her. However, a drastic change is
seen when she is confronted about her routine of dancing at night. This incident brings
out a recurring theme in the novel of growing up. Antonia’s rebellious act shows her
determination to live independently, like an adult. Through these changes, the reader can
conclude she is a dynamic character. A relation from Antonia in this stage can be made to
my younger sister. Occasionally she will feel obligated to argue with my parents over
what she should be able to do, contradicting her previous beliefs of what she used to like
in the process.

Evidence: “I have had no other success that pulled at my heartstring like that one.” (p.
150)

Commentary: This comment made by Jim Burden shows his rounded development. After
giving his astounding commencement speech, he is praised by Antonia. His dedication of
the speech to her father made her proud and joyous. Jim’s acknowledgement that this
success was the most emotional shows his complexity as a character, and his ability to
change in different scenes. The depth that this character is taken to is different from all
others because his reactions and emotions differ and he is seen as a realistic person. In
relation to this event, the movie Gridiron Gang also dedicates their work to other people.
This movie was an inspirational and touching story that also involved emotional
successes.
Evidence: “I’ve seen a good deal of married life, and I don’t care for it. I want to be so I
can help my mother and the children at home, and not have to ask lief of anybody.” (p.
109)

Commentary: Lena Lengard’s response in this conversation displays her hero personality.
Learning from past experiences, she resolves to remain unmarried, showing her
perseverance in the interests of her personal beliefs. Lena stands up for her ideals, also
considering the welfare of her family in her decision. Her consideration of others and
plans to care for her family, as well persisting to her personal ideals are examples of Lena
Lingard’s hero personality. Lena can be related to Eragon in Eragon. Both make wise
decisions based off logic and in the best interest of themselves and others.

Evidence: “It was the happiest face I had seen since I left Virginia.” (p.122)

Commentary: Throughout Mr. d’Arnault’s life, he has been devastated and oppressed by
his handicap. His youth was spent being condescended upon by others because of his
physical deformities and race. However, his hero personality is evident through the
perseverance during his childhood to play the piano, overcoming beatings, and other
obstacles along the way. As an adult, Mr. d’Arnault is the happiest man Jim Burden has
ever seen, showing just how tenacious he was in following his passion to play music.
This struggle to rise above oppression and follow his love for music is evidence of his
optimistic, grand personality. A character that can be related to Mr. d’Arnault is the
protagonist in the film Unleashed. In the movie, this character must overcome slavery
and put his past behind himself to live a happy life with his new family.

Evidence: “Wick Cutter was the money-lender who had fleeced poor Russian Peter.
When a farmer once got into the habit of going to Cutter, it was like gambling or the
lottery; in an hour of discouragement he went back.” (p. 137)

Commentary: From this example, the reader can see Wick Cutter’s anti-hero personality.
He is seen by the society of Black Hawk as an evil figure, centralized around priorities of
wealth and greed. He has no regard for the welfare of others, and will go to any
circumstance to get his money. With the power of the primary moneylender in Black
Hawk, Mr. Cutter exhibits abhorrent traits of deception and selfishness that cause
everyone to hate him. These characteristics show why he would be considered anti-hero.
A relatable figure to Wick Cutter is El Patron in The House of the Scorpion. His
detestable traits also make a hated persona among society. The two men are very similar,
both exhibiting anti-hero personality traits.

Book 3: Lena Lingard

Evidence: “I couldn’t help thinking that the years when Lena literally hadn’t enough
clothes to cover herself might have something to do with her untiring interest in dressing
the human figure.” (p. 180)
Commentary: This thought by Jim Burden expresses Lena Lingard’s dynamic growth.
Because of the living conditions of her youth, Jim wonders of the influences it had on her
current personality as an adult. The theoretical change that occurs during Lena’s youth
and her current self is an example of her dynamic character. The changing qualities of
this character allow influences not only to herself, but also affects others. For example,
the way Lena changes allows a closer relationship to form between Jim and her. The
dynamic growth of Lena can be compared to the main criminal investigator in the movie
Mr. Brooks. Both characters are heavily influenced by their past to pursue their current
goals and greatly enjoy their job.

Evidence: “I shall always look back on that time of mental awakening as one of the
happiest in my life. Gaston Cleric introduced me to the world of ideas; when one first
enters that world everything else fades for a time, and all that went before is as if it had
not been. (p. 167)

Commentary: This mental awakening of Jim Burden changes his perspective on life as
well as he sees those close to him. Because of the change this causes within Jim, it is
evidence of his dynamic growth. This frontier of thinking is one that Jim has never
experienced before. As Gaston Cleric helps him to reach this mental plateau, Jim has
changed a lot, and matured due to the new perception of everything that occurs around
him. His dynamic character can be associated with Trunks from “Dragon Ball Z.” In this
television show, the character undergoes a transformation through the acceleration of
time, changing and maturing drastically. His new persona is one that is wiser and more
open-minded than the one of the past.

Book 4: The Pioneer Woman’s Story

Evidence: “…how Antonia went away to marry Larry Donovan at some place where he
was working; that he had deserted her, and that there was now a baby.” (p. 193)

Commentary: The actions of Larry Donovan reveal his anti-hero personality. Having the
peace of mind in deserting a baby and her mother for greed give this man the undesirable
traits of an anti-hero figure. Not only does he show irresponsibility for his actions by
evading the consequences, his actions imply the notion that he only used Antonia for a
short-term, physical relationship. Larry Donovan’s anti-hero characteristics can be
measured to those of the antagonists in the movie Eastern Promises. The bad guy of the
film has an affair with a young girl, and does not take responsibility for the upbringing of
his child. Both characters share abhorrent traits that make them anti-hero characters.

Book 5:

Evidence: “The trouble with me was, Jim, I never could believe harm of anybody I
loved.” (p. 221)

Commentary: Throughout Antonia’s life, it was always apparent that she rejected any
negative news of those close to her. In fact, she protected the loved ones who were
accused of bad deeds. However, Antonia’s ordeal with Larry Donovan brings about a
change in her personality, presenting evidence of her dynamic growth. After her fiancé
deserted while she was pregnant, she sees the damage that it has caused on her life. From
this incident, Antonia acknowledges how she has always turned a blind eye on the harm
that loved ones have caused. This change allows growth within Antonia, making it
possible for an advantage to come from the experience. Because she has experienced
such an incident, she can now prevent future suffering from occurring. Antonia’s
dynamic character is similar to one of the main characters in the movie The Ex. The
character that makes the connection with Antonia does not believe the horrible deeds a
good friend of hers has committed. By the time her husband can prove it to her,
substantial damage was already felt in many peoples’ lives.

Evidence: “She was a battered woman now, not a lovely girl; but she still had that
something which fires the imagination, could still stop one’s breath for a moment by a
look or gesture that somehow revealed the meaning in common things.” (p. 226)

Commentary: This analysis made by Jim Burden in his older age shows his dynamic
character growth. After twenty years of waiting, Jim has finally visited his childhood
friend, Antonia. Throughout his life, Jim and others have seen Antonia as a very lively
person, whose spirit would never dwindle. After the news of her horrible ordeals, he is
afraid to see her in such a state as a worn down person. His decision to finally visit shows
his maturity affecting his life and choices. Proceeding this reunion, Jim sees how life still
exists with Antonia, as well as her internal beauty that he always loved in her. This event
shows his dynamic character by revealing the effects time has had on Jim’s thoughts and
personality. A character that can be closely related to Jim is Harry Potter. Harry is a close
friend with Ginny Weasley. Through his time at Hogwarts, both characters experience
many events that change who they are. As Harry’s dynamic growth influences the plot of
the story, the reader sees the close relationship built between these two characters.