One of Ours

"One of Ours" by Willa Cather is a poignant exploration of a young man's struggle with identity, belonging, and the pursuit of purpose. The narrative follows Claude Wheeler, a young man from a prosperous Nebraska farming family, who is discontented with the life laid out for him. Despite the comforts of home and the expectations of his family, Claude feels a deep sense of dissatisfaction and restlessness. His mother, Mrs. Wheeler, is a devout and traditional woman who believes in the virtues of a religious education, which leads Claude to attend the Temple College, a denominational institution. However, Claude finds the education there lacking and yearns for the more rigorous academic environment of the State University. His father, Nat Wheeler, is a jovial and easy-going man, more interested in the affairs of the community than in the personal aspirations of his son. Claude's internal conflict is further exacerbated by his interactions with his brother Ralph, who is more pragmatic and less introspective, and his friend Ernest Havel, whose straightforwardness and clarity of purpose highlight Claude's own uncertainties. Throughout the narrative, Claude grapples with his sense of inadequacy and his desire for a life that is more meaningful and fulfilling. The story captures the essence of a young man's quest for self-discovery amidst the constraints of familial expectations and societal norms.