As history continues to form, it is easy to forget the struggles women faced. In the early 1900s, a new generation of women began to come into their own. Issues such as women's suffrage, women's presence in the workforce, and the hope of equality began to arise and mingle in a male-dominated air. Women began to explore their role in society as beneficial contributors. They began to express their thoughts, many finding their voice in literature. Willa Cather was one of many thriving female authors. Born in 1873, Cather grew up just in time to immerse her soul in writing. Her writings eloquently captivated the changing society in which she lived. Cather went on to write several novels, and in 1923 she wrote A Lost Lady, featuring an idolized woman as the main character, Marina Forrester. The relationship between Marian Forrester and the dominant male characters in Willa Cather's novel, A Lost Lady, demonstrates the strong influence that men had on women in the early 1900s. First, the relationship between Marian Forrester and the Dominant male characters demonstrate how men influenced a woman's image. in the early 1900s. The Women's International Center presents "Women's History in America," an article describing how men viewed women in the early 1900s, explaining: "Before having children, the role of a woman was to become a "good wife" ("Women's History in America"). The societal expectation of women was to be the “perfect” housewife. Women aspired to fulfill the role of a housewife and men sought a housewife in a potential wife. In Cather's novel, Mrs. Forrester's relationship with Mr. Forrester portrays her as the model wife. Cather writes that men "...could not imagine [Mrs. Forrester] in an outfit or situation in which…… middle of paper…… she strives to be the ideal wife she is supposed to be be. In the early 1900s, men also influenced women's financial situations. In the early 1900s, women did not have their own financial independence. Mrs. Forrester is seen showing off luxury jewelry all from her husband, but once he dies, her financial situation collapses, further emphasizing the negative effects that the loss of a male figure has on the financial situation of a woman. Overall, Mrs. Forrester's Male Relationships, A Lost Lady, depicts the strong influence men had on women in the early 1900s. Work cited by Gerber, Philip L. Willa Cather. Boston, MA: Twayne, 1975. Print.Murphy, John J. Critical Essays on Willa Cather. Boston, MA: G. K. Hall, 1984. Print. “WIC – The History of Women in America.” » WIC - History of Women in America. International Women's Center, 1995. Web. February 25. 2014.