Autumn
The colors of the Autumn season are diverse and very vivid. Pale-yellow, copper, brown, blond and red-gold were all colors used in the description of Autumn in Willa Cather's novel My Antonia [9]. The colors are far more vibrant than the traditional colors red, blue, white and black. They help enhance the reader's imagination and visualization of the season. These colors are also what makes the Autumn season so distinctive and great in the Midwest. Autumn is described as glorious in the novel [1]. These diverse and distinct colors found in the Midwest during Autumn sets it apart from other areas of the US and the world. They are difficult to find outside of Midwestern America.
Not only do the colors describe certain objects but they also reflect the morale of the pioneers during this season. Although life on the prairie was very hard, the people were very light-hearted during this time. Accordingly, the colors of the season are also somewhat light-hearted. They are not very exotic or breath taking, however they have just enough color and energy to keep it from being lifeless. This is portrayed through the playful manner of the pioneers in the novel. Thus, autumn is the transition state between winter and summer. They dying plant life foreshadows what is soon to come - winter. One must enjoy these times while they can. They must appreciate the last few plants before winter swooshes in and takes control over everything. This could perhaps also be an explanation to the people's light-heartedness.