The Troll Garden, and Selected Stories

"The Troll Garden" by Willa Cather, is a compilation of short stories set in the late 1800s that uses characters such as the isolated Canute living near Rattlesnake Creek in Nebraska, to study artistry, societal difficulties found in small town United States, and the battles faced by people, such as Norwegian newcomers, fitting into their neighborhoods. Canute's tale explores his deep feelings of being alone, his battle with drinking, and how tough life is while living on the Divide; hints are dropped about his complicated ties with those around him and a possible love connection with Lena Yensen, which could change his life forever. Canute's personal fight and how he deals with where he lives gives off a sad feeling, showing the everyday struggles of people that is common in Cather's stories.