[摘要] 薇拉·凯瑟是二十世纪初期美国最优秀的女作家之一。在她的众多著作中，尤以那些以内布拉斯加大草原为背景、以女性移民为主人公、描写她们拓荒生活的长篇小说最受推崇。本文通过对薇拉·凯瑟生活经历的考察，以及对作品中女主人公的形象分析，来认识和理解拓荒时代女性的伟岸形象和人格魅力。

[关键词]  薇拉·凯瑟； 拓荒时代； 女性形象  

[Abstract]  Willa Cather is one of the most famous women writers in United States in the early 20th century. Among her works, it is highly recommended that the characteristics based on the Nebraska prairie’s background、with the female immigrants as the main character、which describe their pioneer life in the novels. According to the investigation through Willa Cather’s life experience as well as the analyze of the characters in her work, this article will embody a thorough comprehension and understanding of the female temperament and admired personal image during the pioneer era.

[Key words]  Willa Cather； Pioneer era； Female image