It does not matter much whom we live with in this world, but it matters a great deal whom we dream of

It does not matter much whom we live with in this world, but it matters a great deal whom we dream of

Willa Cather, a renowned American author known for her vivid depictions of life on the Great Plains, understood the power of dreams and the impact they can have on our lives. In her works, Cather often explored the themes of longing, nostalgia, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The quote, "It does not matter much whom we live with in this world, but it matters a great deal whom we dream of," perfectly encapsulates Cather's belief in the importance of dreams and aspirations in shaping our lives.

Cather's characters are often driven by their dreams and desires, whether it be the desire for love, success, or a sense of belonging. In her novel "My Ántonia," the protagonist, Jim Burden, is deeply influenced by his childhood friend Ántonia Shimerda, whom he dreams of throughout his life. Despite the physical distance between them, Jim's dreams of Ántonia serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for him, shaping his identity and guiding his decisions.

Similarly, in "O Pioneers!," Cather explores the dreams and aspirations of Alexandra Bergson, a strong-willed woman determined to succeed in the male-dominated world of farming. Alexandra's dreams of transforming her family's struggling farm into a prosperous enterprise drive her to make bold decisions and take risks, ultimately leading to her success and fulfillment.

Through her characters, Cather demonstrates that it is not the people we live with that define us, but rather the dreams and aspirations we hold dear. Our dreams have the power to inspire us, motivate us, and give meaning to our lives. They can shape our values, guide our actions, and ultimately lead us to our true purpose.