My Ántonia · Chapter
XII explained
On Christmas morning, the Burden household celebrates with special prayers and waffles.
What happens
On Christmas morning, the Burden household celebrates with special prayers and waffles. Jake reports that the Shimerdas were pleased with their presents. Mr. Shimerda visits in the afternoon to express gratitude, finding comfort and peace in the Burdens' home. He kneels before the Christmas tree, and grandfather respectfully acknowledges his devotion. Mr. Shimerda stays for supper and departs with heartfelt thanks.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
Mr. Shimerda's visit and the Burdens' hospitality highlight the bonds forming between the immigrant family and their neighbors, offering a sense of peace and belonging.
Nostalgia and Memory
Mr. Shimerda's quiet contentment in the Burdens' home evokes memories of the old world, and Otto's letter home underscores the pull of distant family and tradition.
Hard Work and Resilience
The men complete morning chores before breakfast, and the Shimerdas' gratitude for simple gifts reflects their resilience in harsh conditions.
Characters to notice
- Jim Burden
Narrates the Christmas morning activities and observes Mr. Shimerda's visit with deep empathy.
- Grandmother Burden
Prepares the Christmas meal and insists Mr. Shimerda drink apple-brandy; shows concern about grandfather's reaction to the kneeling.
- Grandfather Burden
Leads morning prayers, reads the Nativity, and later respectfully bows his head when Mr. Shimerda kneels, Protestantizing the atmosphere.
- Mr. Shimerda
Visits the Burdens to thank them, finds solace in their home, kneels before the Christmas tree, and departs with a blessing.
- Jake Marpole
Reports the Shimerdas' happiness with gifts and helps cut the Christmas tree.
- Otto Fuchs
Writes a letter to his mother on Christmas Day, a tradition he keeps wherever he is.
Key passages
“Grandfather's prayers were often very interesting. He had the gift of simple and moving expression. Because he talked so little, his words had a peculiar force; they were not worn dull from constant use.”
Grandfather's infrequent speech made his prayers powerful and heartfelt, revealing his true thoughts and feelings.
Jim reflects on the impact of his grandfather's quiet, deliberate manner of speaking.
“He sat still and passive, his head resting against the back of the wooden rocking-chair, his hands relaxed upon the arms. His face had a look of weariness and pleasure, like that of sick people when they feel relief from pain.”
Mr. Shimerda rested peacefully in the chair, his expression mixing exhaustion with the comfort of being free from suffering.
Jim observes Mr. Shimerda's profound relief and contentment in the Burdens' home.
“When his deep-seeing eyes rested on me, I felt as if he were looking far ahead into the future for me, down the road I would have to travel.”
Mr. Shimerda's gaze seemed to foresee Jim's future path, filling Jim with a sense of destiny.
Jim senses a prophetic quality in Mr. Shimerda's look during supper.