Mr. Shimerda -- suicide, murder?

Chris Schellenberg asks:

"I am interested in the death of Mr. Shimerda - why is the there a question on whether it was suicide or murder? What does this add? Can't find any comments other than it was assumed to be a suicide in the literature."

Comments and ideas on this.

"My Antonia" --Is it your "real thing"? [Go here for comment instructions]

When Willa Cather's editor first read the manuscript of My Ántonia, he experienced "the most thrilling shock of recognition of the real thing" he had ever felt. Few books pack so much vibrantly genuine life into their pages as this classic novel of the American immigrant experience. My Ántonia teems with romance, violence, tenderness, cruelty, comedy, and tragedy—all bustling side by side in a narrative at once compassionate and gripping.
-------from NEA Reader’s Guide[go here]

Each reader of Cather's great novel will find their own personal "shock of recognition." Perhaps it will be a shock of disagreement or puzzlement--"romance, violence, tenderness, cruelty, comedy, and tragedy" covers as much emotional ground as the Great Plains setting for this novel covers real estate. In other words, plenty of space for discussion of the interesting characters created, knotty issues raised and haunting story Cather creates.

Please tell your reader friends about this blog. All comments are welcome.

Here is how to post a comment. Click on "[number of] COMMENTS." When you click on "[number of] COMMENTS," you should see comments you and others have posted. You should see a blank box for the posting of your message. Post your comments, ideas, questions in the blank screen box and then hit "Post Comment." Note: You will be asked for a "Comment as: Profile" designation. Use the designation which works for you. I have entered two test comments. One under "Anonymous" and one under "garyd." (Ignore "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom" unless you know what it is all about. I don't.)

All of Black Hawk, Nebraska, is anxious to hear your thoughts on My Antonia.