The hard-working middle class, with an educated upper class is one of the key characteristics of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Likewise, the emphasis on the middle class and the discrepancies socio-economic differences between classes are central features of realism. My Antonia, a realist novel by Willa Cather, chronicles the life and development of Jim Burden. Jim is an educated, upper-class young boy who grows up to become a Harvard graduate and a successful lawyer. His journey and development are constantly assisted by others, whether Antonia Shimerda, a poor Bohemian immigrant whom Jim befriends, or Gaston Cleric, a university professor and Jim's companion. It is only at the end of the novel that Jim can exist as a free character, independent of the others. My Antonia by Willa Cather is the story of Jim Burden's development, which can be seen through Mr. Shimerda's suicide, his attempt to kiss Antonia, and his reconciliation with Antonia at the end of "The Pioneer Women's Story". Mr. Shimerda is the patriarch of the Shimerda family, until his depression led him to take his own life. Mr. Shimerda's suicide was the result of several factors, including his inability to provide for his family in America and the seemingly impossible uphill battle he and many other immigrants fought to enter the United States. This resulted in depression and later suicide. Mr. Shimerda's suicide changed the perspective and destiny of the Shimerda family. This was a crossroads for the family, as it was a key point in their lives and significantly changed the direction of the family. Not only does Ambrosch take on his father's role as the leader of the family, but Antonia takes on the role of a hard-working, masculine figure to help her family succeed in America. At the end of “The Shimerdas,” Jim evokes a dialogue between himself and Antonia, stating, “'Oh, I better like to work