A Wagner Matinée

An author’s use of color is part of imagery, or descriptive language that appeals to the senses and is meant to evoke emotions in the reader. Notice how Willa Cather uses color throughout “A Wagner Matinée.” Look for references to colors in the descriptions of the women in the concert hall and of Georgiana’s home in Nebraska. Make a list of these references to color and after each reference, write down what emotional response you think it is meant to create.

Then, using your list as a starting point, write a short essay in response to the following questions: Why does Cather include these details about color? How do they help to convey the meaning of the story? Your essay should include evidence from the story to support your ideas and conclusions.