Today we're going to talk about another book that I had to read during this past fall semester. And, just like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, this book is also set in the 1920s. It's The Professor's House.
Written by Willa Cather and published in 1925, The Professor's House had strong themes of what materialism can do to a family; a lack of spiritual faith in the main character; and losing someone that he cared about. To order to fully understand this story, I'll give you a run-through.
The story revolves around a professor named Godfrey St. Peter, who finds himself depressed, even though the rest of his family is caught up with the materialistic world that the 1920s has to offer. We learn that most of his depression comes from losing a good friend named Tom Outland, who was responsible for inventing the vacuum. Now that Outland is dead, St. Peter's family, including one of his daughters, is wanting Outland's fortune, even though Outland's former associates want it. St. Peter discourages people for not remembering Outland for who he was, as a person, which deepens his depression to where he contemplates giving up on life. Although, he finds some kind of relief when he stays at his old house, even though he and his family had moved into another one.
Now, when I first read this novel, I was like: "Great. Our teacher wants us to read another depressy book."
-Believe me. Our professor had us read Heart of Darkness, Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and the works. (No offense, Professor.)
Then again, reading those books taught me that the world isn't perfect. There's no such thing as a utopia, unless it's in fiction.
-That's a life lesson for you, kids.
Anyway, this book... I will probably read again in the future. Why? The characterization. Cather takes the time to develop her characters and make them complex, especially the main character St. Peter. We can see his struggle, his depression, and what he really wants in life. He interacts with the other characters. Plus, he learns something at the end.
-Unlike Lorelei (the gold-digger woman) from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes... who ultimately gets a pass for who she is... which is NOT a lesson learned, even though the book tries to pass it off as a lesson learned...
Plus, the story explains why St. Peter admires Outland so much. Outland is given a backstory, which works to the novel's advantage. That's why there's so much urgency for the characters to know who can rightfully take Outland's fortune. And that's why St. Peter is so desperate to keep the joy of Outland alive during his battle to get through the times.
Overall, the story worked well as a standalone novel. It conveyed emotion; it thought realistically; it was to the point all the way through; and it was consistent. If you haven't read the book yet, check it out and decide for yourself.
Whatsoever Critic
Source: The Professor's House
Courtesy: Willa Cather/Alfred A. Knopf Publishing
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