Free Essays on Willa Cather

Father Latour’s Personal Journey In her novel â€Å"Death Comes For The Archbishop†, Willa Cather explores many of the dualities of human nature, specifically the relationship of one clergy man to his congregation and how his spirituality was transformed in his journey to the New World. When Father Latour arrives in New Mexico the depth of his faith seems to be more concerned with personal recognition and satisfaction, than with truly helping people of his congregation. His only commitment is embodied in the construction of the Cathedral. Under his leadership, Father Latour’s life goes on as his will power overflows when he is introduced to Sada. Throughout his life in New Mexico Father Latour is introduced to â€Å"different† ways of life, most in particular his meeting and following relationship with Sada who inspires him to change his view of faith and his role in the church. In â€Å"Death Comes For The Archbishop† by Willa Cather, Father Latour’s appreciation of spiritu ality, along with his sympathy and understanding of the individuals he is attempting to convert to Catholicism is reflected in both the shadowy and well lit corners of the church. To Father Latour, the Cathedral is intended to be a symbol of beauty and harmony that can result from not only organization of mankind but also the organization of a religion. In his mind, Father Latour knew that building a Cathedral would exemplify how much he â€Å"wanted† Catholicism to spread but he did not want just any church. He was obsessed with the fact that the church was his, â€Å" †¦this hill confronted me as it confronts us now, and I knew instantly that this was my Cathedral† (240). He wanted a church that was made out of a particular stone and built by Frenchman. â€Å"I should like to complete it before I die-if God so wills. I wish to leave nothing to chance, or to the mercy of American builders† (240). It is not that Father Latour did not trust the Ame... Free Essays on Willa Cather Free Essays on Willa Cather Father Latour’s Personal Journey In her novel â€Å"Death Comes For The Archbishop†, Willa Cather explores many of the dualities of human nature, specifically the relationship of one clergy man to his congregation and how his spirituality was transformed in his journey to the New World. When Father Latour arrives in New Mexico the depth of his faith seems to be more concerned with personal recognition and satisfaction, than with truly helping people of his congregation. His only commitment is embodied in the construction of the Cathedral. Under his leadership, Father Latour’s life goes on as his will power overflows when he is introduced to Sada. Throughout his life in New Mexico Father Latour is introduced to â€Å"different† ways of life, most in particular his meeting and following relationship with Sada who inspires him to change his view of faith and his role in the church. In â€Å"Death Comes For The Archbishop† by Willa Cather, Father Latour’s appreciation of spiritu ality, along with his sympathy and understanding of the individuals he is attempting to convert to Catholicism is reflected in both the shadowy and well lit corners of the church. To Father Latour, the Cathedral is intended to be a symbol of beauty and harmony that can result from not only organization of mankind but also the organization of a religion. In his mind, Father Latour knew that building a Cathedral would exemplify how much he â€Å"wanted† Catholicism to spread but he did not want just any church. He was obsessed with the fact that the church was his, â€Å" †¦this hill confronted me as it confronts us now, and I knew instantly that this was my Cathedral† (240). He wanted a church that was made out of a particular stone and built by Frenchman. â€Å"I should like to complete it before I die-if God so wills. I wish to leave nothing to chance, or to the mercy of American builders† (240). It is not that Father Latour did not trust the Ame...