The Diamond Mine in this story by Willa Cather is an internationally renowned opera singer. The story highlights the emotional pressure associated with pursuing art for fame and fortune, rather than for art’s sake alone. The diva derives pleasure from “giving” to her husbands and extended family, most of whom ruthlessly exploit the poor woman. Although happy to bask in her fame, her vitality and success inspires envy and hatred among them. Their indolence and greed leaves her mined out, both financially and emotionally. Themes: the artist as a celebrity, vitality, envy, greed, exploitation, betrayal.
The picture above is of Lillian Nordica, one of the great American sopranos of the day, and upon whose life the story is loosely based. Her haunted expression captures perfectly the way Cather’s character might have felt towards the end of the story.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (14,200 words)