My Antonia

Why do you think Jim's grandfather goes to so much trouble to end the fighting with the Shimerda family?

Chapter 18

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I think the grandfather has a soft spot for the family. Perhaps he remembers his own hard times growing up. Despite the feud, the Shimerdas are always respectful to Grandfather, who gives them a lot of helpful advice and helps them when they have a problem with their horse. Ambrosch and Marek have started working for wages, and Grandfather decides to pay Ambrosch and Ántonia to help out on the farm. When he goes to the Shimerdas to ask, he graciously gives Mrs. Shimerda the cow that she has purchased on credit, and she falls to her knees and kisses his hand. Afterwards, the feud between the two families is forgotten, although Mrs. Shimerda wants to have the last word.