The main purpose of this thesis is to describe the experience of early years of prairie settlement and its depiction in Willa Cather's short stories as well as to analyze the role of women and their feelings about life on the prairie situated in the Great Plains region. In the first part, key terms connected to the thesis are explained, the description of the prairie region is provided and historical circumstances leading to the settlement as well as the experience of the first settlers are explained. The second part focuses on selected short stories of Willa Cather and analyzes her depiction of the prairie environment and weather conditions. Finally, the analysis of Cather's portrayal of the settlers' life and the role of women and their memories is provided.
