Coming, Aphrodite!
“Coming, Aphrodite!” by Willa Cather is a story that portrays the elements of a romance. A definition of Romance is a strong, sometimes short-lived attachment, fascination, or enthusiasm for something. This definition describes the relationship between Don Hedger and Eden Bower. Don, who is a painter, was dark and quiet. He rejected fame and didn’t need fortune to be successful, he painted for “painters,--haven’t been born.” (37) Contrastingly, Eden was light and free spirited. She went out into the world to meet new people and to become known. Because the both of them were from totally opposite worlds, their attraction sparked like fireworks. They both were young artists wanting success and wealth out of life, but in different aspects. “My dear, I have the most expensive luxury in the world,…”(37). “I give you up. You know very well there’s only one kind of success that’s real.” (38) Despite the fact that they disagreed, the two bonded and romanticized. Imagination is defined as the image-forming power of the mind that modifies the conceptions, esp. the higher form of power exercised in art and poetry. This definition, I think, clearly describes Eden and Don’s state of mind. Even though their artistic abilities differ, both of them submit to a higher power of their art. As a singer, imagination plays a major role in Eden’s life. She often have images of being famous, traveling around the world and everyone loving her. She worries about what people think of her and whether or not she will be accepted. “Before she was out of short dresses she had made up her mind that she was going to be an actress, that she would live far away in great cities, that she would be much admired by men and would have everything she wanted.” (22) Unlike her, Don’s imagination wasn’t as inspiring. He couldn’t care less about what people thought of him or his paintings. He was a painter because he enjoyed doing it and he didn’t care to be famous. “…A public only
Cited: Cather, Willa. Coming, Aphrodite! New York: Penguin Group, 1999.