Maternal Love in Willa Cather’s Shadows on the Rock (1931)

Abstract

Maternity is the primary obsession that haunts Cecile’s character in Willa Cather’s Shadows on the Rock (1931). Unable to decide what to go for, Cecile finds it impossible to leave without having Jacques, a person whom she has been taking care of and compensating him with the care he really needs. His mother could not provide him with the motherly love that Jacques needs as a little child like any other children of his age. Therefore, Cecile undertakes the maternal responsibility and provides him with the attention that he lacks from his mother. The relationship between Cecile and Jacques is a mother and child relationship. We understand this theme throughout the whole novel and through multiple examples and situations we encounter when reading the novel. It is a huge responsibility that Cecile takes and shoulders as she performs this difficult role into giving the maximum maternal care to a little child.