What is the identity of the main character, Mr. Shimerda? How does Cather build his identity through the landscape? What happens to him as an immigrant? How does he lose touch with his identity? What role does the landscape play in this loss? Trace the development of the character from the beginning of the novel through Book 1. Use specific examples from the novel to build this answer. Consider the challenges this character faces and his actions as a result of those changes.

Successful answers will be answered completely through a series of paragraphs and will include several references to the text. Each paragraph should include at least one direct quote from the text outside of Chapter 1.