The Song of the Lark

by Willa Cather

Overview

The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather
Published in 1915, The Song of the Lark is a seminal novel by Willa Cather that explores the development of an artist and the personal sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of excellence. It is the second installment in Cather's acclaimed "prairie trilogy," preceded by O Pioneers! and followed by My Ántonia.

The novel follows Thea Kronborg, a gifted young woman from a small Colorado town, who aspires to become a professional musician. As Thea matures, she moves from her rural roots to urban centers such as Chicago and eventually travels to Europe, where she refines her craft and ultimately becomes a celebrated opera singer.

Through Thea's journey, Cather examines themes such as:

Artistic growth and personal transformation

The tension between individual ambition and social expectation

The power of landscape and environment on creativity

Gender roles in artistic and professional realms

Cather's prose in this novel is rich with introspection and evocative descriptions of both the American Southwest and European cultural centers. The character of Thea Kronborg is partly inspired by the real-life opera singer Olive Fremstad, whom Cather admired.

Regarded as a portrait of the artist as a young woman, The Song of the Lark is both a compelling narrative of artistic awakening and a thoughtful meditation on the costs and triumphs of following one's vocation. It solidified Cather's reputation as one of America's leading literary voices of the early 20th century.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940184644738
Publisher:	Willa Cather
Publication date:	04/22/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	594 KB

About the Author

Willa Sibert Cather (1873–1947) was a distinguished American novelist, essayist, and journalist best known for her vivid portrayals of life on the American frontier. A leading figure in early 20th-century American literature, Cather is celebrated for her nuanced exploration of identity, art, and the immigrant experience, particularly in the context of the Great Plains.

Born in Virginia, Cather moved with her family to Red Cloud, Nebraska, at the age of nine. The dramatic landscapes and diverse immigrant communities of the Midwest became foundational to her literary imagination. Her writing often reflects the interplay between individual character and environment, particularly in the context of rural and small-town life.

Cather graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she developed her interest in literature and journalism. She later held editorial positions in Pittsburgh and New York City, including as managing editor of McClure’s Magazine, before devoting herself entirely to fiction.

Her major novels include:

O Pioneers! (1913)

The Song of the Lark (1915)

My Ántonia (1918)

One of Ours (1922), winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Death Comes for the Archbishop (1927)

Cather's writing is marked by elegant, unembellished prose and a deep psychological insight. She often explored the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations, particularly in the lives of artists and pioneers.

Her literary legacy endures for its contribution to a uniquely American narrative voice and for her enduring portrayals of resilience, creativity, and the spirit of the American West.

Date of Birth:

December 7, 1873

Date of Death:

April 27, 1947

Place of Birth:

Winchester, Virginia

Place of Death:

New York, New York

Education:

B.A., University of Nebraska, 1895