[摘要] 薇拉·凱瑟是二十世紀初期美國最優秀的女作家之一。在她的眾多著作中，尤以那些以內布拉斯加大草原為背景、以女性移民為主人公、描寫她們拓荒生活的長篇小說最受推崇。本文通過對薇拉·凱瑟生活經歷的考察，以及對作品中女主人公的形象分析，來認識和理解拓荒時代女性的偉岸形象和人格魅力。

[關鍵詞]  薇拉·凱瑟； 拓荒時代； 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