Willa Cather illustrates it in her tale, “O Pioneers!” Human experiences do not happen by chance. Karma is a narrative that reflects the occurrences of life. We are used to asking why wickedness can often be rewarded with bad consequences. Cather’s account demonstrates how inhuman actions can lead to negative outcomes. Cather’s account exposes Karma in a significant way. She provides detailed information on the lives of the characters starting in infancy, or the start of someone’s journey to achieving a milestone. Cather is able to increase the power of Karma when she contrasts Alexandra Bergson’s idyllic life and happy conclusion with Emil and his family, who end in financial ruin as well as death.
The immaculate character of Alexandra Bergson is apparent even at the end of the novel. Constinuity is one of the characteristics that Karma possesses. Karma’s effects do not work in temporary situations. In some cases, people may be influenced by the outcome they expect. As an example, Alexandra Bergson was certain that her father would die. In order to be heir to the property, the child would have done the right thing. Karma is not applicable in this situation. Karma isn’t determined by conditions, it’s an individual’s mentality that does. According to Cather (2003, p.17), Alexandra is a resemblance of her grandpa. She was already known for her outstanding qualities. Alexandra Bergson was chosen as the farm manager to allow readers an opportunity to see how she manages family resources. Alexandra Bergson leads the farm through the storms, despite the difficult weather. Karma’s effects are evident in two instances. The father first saw the qualities of her daughter when she was about to die. She was honest and diligent in transferring the estate. Karma then rewards her honesty when she takes over the farm, despite all of its difficulties.
Many love scenes show the impact of Karma. Marie and Emil had been friends since childhood. Marie, Frank and their friendship blossoms into an extra-marital affair. Marie is the one Emil tries to get with, no matter how difficult it may be. Extramarital relations are prohibited in traditional cultures. He adds that Franks “is a decent man” and Franks is promoted as a great person. “There’s something open, joyous, and youthful about this country’s face,” (Cather 2003, p.137). Frank’s marriage is destroyed however by Emil. Frank ends up killing both Marie and Emil. Importantly, Marie’s and Frank’s marriage was not legal and ultimately lead to their deaths. This situation may lead to several questions. By ensuring Marie and Emil to get married at a spot where Frank can find them, the author portrays Karma’s influence in his text. Emil knew it was risky to go into Marie’s marital home. But he was not able to see the dangers and avoid them. It is a strange situation, which raises questions about the impact of Karma. Karma’s purpose is to punish those who are misguided and want to do harm to others.