The Professor's House

"The Professor's House" by Willa Cather is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Professor Godfrey St. Peter, who is in a state of transition as he moves from the home where he spent his married life into a new house, leading him to reflect on his past, family, and the changes around him. The narrative delves into the themes of ambition, loss, and the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the professor's feelings for his daughters and their connections to a young genius named Tom Outland. At the start of the novel, Professor St. Peter finds himself alone in his empty, dismantled home, contemplating the many inconveniences he has tolerated over the years. He reflects on the comfort provided by his garden, a personal sanctuary nurtured throughout his life. As he navigates memories of his family, his students, and his past ambitions, he grapples with the changes that come with moving from a home that holds deep emotional ties. The opening introduces characters such as Augusta, his sewing woman, and hints at the tensions within his family, especially concerning his daughters' new lives and connections to Outland, whose legacy looms large over their current circumstances.