Book 1: Chapter 6 Summary

A'ntonia, now mentioned as Tony sometimes, comes again for a reading lesson with Jim's grandmother. A'ntonia tells of how esteemed the badger is in her country as well as a story of a beggar woman named Old Hata who sang for children and was very beloved. It is late afternoon and Jim describes this time of day as a time of triumph and success. A'ntonia and Jim see Mr. Shimerda walking with a gun, and A'ntonia mentions how sad he has been. The children go over to him and pull him out of his reverie. In this moment, Jim admires Mr. Shimerda's gun, and Mr. Shimerda says he will give it to Jim when he is older.

Book 1: Chapter 6 Analysis

A'ntonia's reading lesson and the lofty description of the landscape and the setting sun is in sharp contrast with the sorrowful...