ee the real Antonia. Unlike Antonia and Lena, Jim Burden could not accept society’s views on him. He always molded himself to become what the town saw as amenable. As he says, “Disapprobation hurt me, I found-- even that of people whom I did not admire.” (174). Jim hides behind the shadow of his dream, never fearless enough to accomplish his own goals. As Antonia faces the world with a dauntless face, Jim shrinks back at its hand. And as she cherishes her own family, Jim settles for his. He may be accepted by society but he’ll never reach his own expectations. Some of us can be slaves to society, but still there are some others that will see beyond it to reach for what they want. People will do anything to fulfill their dreams. They will travel great distances or change their whole lifestyles to succeed. But not everyone prevails. In the end, it’s the people that guide themselves and are not controlled by others. The best days may be the first to flee, but dreams live on forever (174). ...
