Willa Cather’s A Wagner Matinée highlights the gulf between the hard, isolated life of the American West’s early settlers and the civilized, cultured life of the cities they left behind. The contrast is even greater for the protagonist’s Aunt Georgiana who is not only highly educated, but also accomplished in and passionate about classical music. Her state of almost catatonic shock upon returning to the city and tearful reaction to the musical performance may also indicate regret over her rash elopement thirty years earlier. Themes: hardship, isolation, loneliness, kindness, appreciation, the inspirational/healing power of music. More…