My Ántonia · Chapter
Book II: The Hired Girls explained
Jim Burden moves to Black Hawk and observes the social dynamics between town families and the hired girls, particularly Ántonia, Lena, and Tiny.
What happens
Jim Burden moves to Black Hawk and observes the social dynamics between town families and the hired girls, particularly Ántonia, Lena, and Tiny. The chapter explores the girls' independence and the town's prejudices.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Prejudice
The hired girls are judged by town families for their rural origins and work, highlighting class divides.
Gender Roles
The hired girls challenge traditional expectations by working outside the home and asserting their independence.
Characters to notice
- Jim Burden
Moves to Black Hawk and reflects on the hired girls' lives.
- Ántonia Shimerda
Works as a hired girl for the Harlings, facing social scrutiny.
- Lena Lingard
Comes to Black Hawk and becomes a hired girl, drawing attention.
- Tiny Soderball
Another hired girl, working in town and navigating social circles.
- Mrs. Harling
Employs Ántonia and treats her with respect, contrasting with other townspeople.
Key passages
“The hired girls were a source of fascination and gossip in Black Hawk.”
The town was both intrigued and critical of the hired girls, discussing them frequently.
Reflects the social tension around the hired girls' presence.