Heartland -- 1979

Film synopsis:  A widow, Elinore, and her two-year old daughter travel to Wyoming in 1909, to work as  housekeeper and laundress for a rancher, Mr. Stewart, a Scottish immigrant.  To gain some level of independence, and escape from the harsh life as a domestic on Stewart's ranch, Elinore tries to homestead land of her own, but a difficult year follows.  This film is based on the life of Elinore Pruitt Stewart, whose journals were published as Letters of a Woman Homesteader, first in the Atlantic Monthly, and then by the University of Nebraska Press in 1961.

Questions:

1.  Some historians argue that women and men experienced the American West in significantly different ways.  Given the events and relationships depicted in this film, do you agree or disagree with this assessment?  State your reasons for taking your position.

2.  The years 1900-1914 were a period in which more than 1 million homesteads were settled in the American West.  What does this film tell you about the experience of homesteading during the early 20th century?  Do you think the film accurately portrays the homestead experience?  Why?

3.  Describe the relationships that Elinore develops in this film.  Why are they important to a woman in the American West?