How is Alexandra described in O Pioneers?

The novel’s protagonist, Alexandra Bergson, is a strong, tall woman, the eldest child of the Swedish immigrant John Bergson. Alexandra is a resourceful, practical person who loves and understands the land as no one else in the novel does.

How old is Alexandra Bergson in the beginning of O Pioneers?

Alexandra Bergson: the main character of the book. A strong-willed and intelligent woman. She was given the farm by her father John Bergson and over the next 16 years makes it very prosperous. She is about 40 years old in the second part of the book.

What is the theme of O Pioneers?

The main theme of O Pioneers! is man’s relationship to the land, in particular, a land that is unforgiving. Some of the characters such as Lou and Oscar Bergson and their father set themselves up in an adversary relationship with the land. They don’t love the land; they only own it.

Why are Oscar and Lou opposed to Alexandra’s relationship with Carl?

Lou and Oscar confront Alexandra about her relationship with Carl. They try to stop her from marrying him, because they’re afraid she’ll give him “their” property. That night, after Alexandra talks with Emil about his plans to defer law school and go to Mexico, Carl comes to her.

Why is Alexandra a pioneer?

In O Pioneers, Alexandra could be regarded as an emancipated woman to some degree because she had obtained her economic independence by her work. Her economic independence enabled her to have a final say in her family affairs. It enabled her to protect her mother and Crazy Ivar.

What genre is O Pioneers?

Novel
Historical Fiction
O Pioneers!/Genres

What time period does O Pioneers take place?

between 1883 and 1890
O Pioneers! opens on a blustery winter day, in the town of Hanover, Nebraska, sometime between 1883 and 1890. The narrator introduces four principal characters: the very young Emil Bergson; his stalwart older sister, Alexandra; her gloomy friend Carl Linstrum; and a pretty little Bohemian child, Marie Shabata.

Who dies in O Pioneers?

John Bergson, the father of Alexandra, dies in the first part, leaving his wife and four children to fend for themselves in this tough and inhospitable land. Fortunately, it doesn’t stay that way for long.