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Last summer I happened to be crossing the plains of Iowa on the train in a season of intense heat, and it was my good fortune to have for a traveling companion James Quayle Burden—Jim Burden, as we still call him in the West. He and I go way back—we grew up together in the same Nebraska town—and we had much to say to each other. The dust and heat, the burning wind, reminded us of many things. We were talking about what it is like to spend one’s childhood in little towns like these, buried in wheat and corn, under stimulating extremes of climate
When Jim Burden was still a relatively unknown young lawyer, trying to build his career in New York, his life changed suddenly because of a successful marriage. Genevieve Whitney was the only daughter of a well-known and respected man. Her marriage to young Burden caused a lot of discussion at the time. People said she had been cruelly rejected by her cousin, Rutland Whitney, and that she married this unknown man from the West out of pride. She was a restless and strong-willed girl, who liked to surprise her friends. Later, when I knew her, she often did unexpected things. She gave one of her houses to support the women’s suffrage movement, produced one of her own plays, and was even arrested for protesting during a workers’ strike. I have never been able to believe that she feels deeply about the causes she supports. She is attractive, energetic, and capable, but to me she seems unemotional and not easily excited. I think her husband’s quiet personality irritates her, and she enjoys supporting a group of young poets and artists with modern ideas but little real talent. She has her own money and lives independently. For some reason, she chooses to remain Mrs. James Burden.
As for Jim, no disappointment has been strong enough to weaken his naturally romantic and passionate nature. This quality, although it sometimes made him seem unserious when he was younger, has been one of the main reasons for his success. He feels a deep personal connection to the great country through which his railway runs. His belief in it and his knowledge of it have played an important role in its development. He is always able to find money for new business projects in places like Wyoming or Montana and has helped young people achieve success in industries such as mining and oil. If a young person with an idea can get Jim’s attention and spend time with him exploring new places, financial support is usually provided. Jim is still able to lose himself in big dreams about the West. Even though he is now over forty, he approaches new people and opportunities with the same energy he had as a boy. He never seems to grow older. His fresh appearance and lively personality still make him seem young, and his interest in people remains as strong as ever.
Who is James Quayle Burden mentioned in the text?
What explanation for Genevieve's marriage is suggested by others?
What does the narrator think about Genevieve's involvement in social causes?
How does Genevieve seem to feel about her husband?
What does the narrator mean by saying "she wishes to remain Mrs. James Burden"?
What has contributed most to Jim's success?
What does the text suggest about Jim's role in business ventures?
What contrast is emphasized in Jim's character?
Prilagođeno iz romana "My Ántonia" autorice Wille Cather