Here's a more nuanced look at Cather's struggles:
* Breaking Through a Male-Dominated Field: Cather entered a world where women writers were often relegated to writing about domestic issues, romance, or "feminine" themes. She desired to write about larger themes, explore the American West, and delve into complex characters, which were often considered masculine pursuits.
* Challenging Gender Stereotypes: While she didn't necessarily "conform" to male standards, she strategically used her writing to challenge them. Cather's characters often exhibit strength, ambition, and a sense of independence, defying the conventional roles assigned to women.
* Finding Her Voice: Cather's greatest challenge was perhaps finding a voice that resonated with both male and female readers. She achieved this by writing about universal human experiences, focusing on themes like love, loss, ambition, and the search for meaning.
* Gaining Recognition: Despite her talent, she had to overcome the prejudice against women writers to gain critical acclaim and commercial success. She eventually achieved this through her powerful and moving stories.
It's important to remember that Cather was a complex writer who didn't simply aim to "conform" to male literary standards. She actively challenged them while still carving out her own unique voice. She faced a multitude of challenges due to the limitations imposed on women in the literary world, but she persevered and ultimately found her place in the canon of American literature.