Which author is recognized for writings such as "O Pioneers!" and "My Ántonia" related to the Great Plains?

The recognition of Willa Cather for her works "O Pioneers!" and "My Ántonia" stems from her profound exploration of life on the Great Plains, particularly focusing on the experiences and struggles of immigrants and settlers in that region. Cather's writing is characterized by a deep appreciation for the landscape and an understanding of the cultural complexities faced by those who inhabited it.

In "O Pioneers!", Cather illustrates the challenges and triumphs of Czech immigrants in Nebraska, capturing their connection to the land and the harsh realities they confront. Similarly, "My Ántonia" presents the life of an immigrant girl from Bohemia and examines themes of nostalgia, community, and the American frontier experience. Cather's nuanced portrayal of these characters and their relationship with the environment has cemented her place as a key literary figure in American literature, particularly in relation to the Great Plains.