The novel largely centers on the lives of immigrants, highlighting both their victories and setbacks in pursuit of the American Dream. What drove these individuals to undertake long voyages across oceans and the continent? Some were motivated by ambition. Mrs. Shimerda relocated her family against her husband's wishes, proclaiming, "America big country, much money, much land for my boys, much husband for my girls." Anton Cuzak appeared to have settled in Nebraska to escape past misfortunes and difficulties. Pavel and Peter were on the run. The expanding nation and its economy presented numerous opportunities. Immigrant farmers often sent their daughters to work for town residents. Anton Jelinek leased his land and ran a saloon in town. Tiny Soderball followed the frontier to Seattle and then, during the gold rush, to Alaska. The Vannis traveled with their musical performances and dance tent. At the same time, swindlers and loan sharks like Wick Cutter exploited the vulnerable. Immigrants paid a high price for these chances. Language barriers, different occupations, and geographic challenges were significant obstacles. Lena remarked, "It must have been a trial for our mothers, coming out here and having to do everything different. My mother always lived in town. She says she started behind in farmwork, and never has caught up." There was also a decline in social status. Even Jim, who favors the hired girls, acknowledges they are not from his social class. Marrying Lena or Ántonia is out of the question. Many also battled homesickness. Ántonia admitted, "I ain't never forgot my own country." For some, the material gains seemed worthwhile. Lena became a prosperous dressmaker in San Francisco. Tiny owned a house there and amassed wealth, though she grew disillusioned. Ántonia and her husband prospered. Despite these achievements, the novel is replete with disappointments and failures. Otto and Jake ventured west and, except for one postcard, vanished from contact. "Rooshian" Peter, who proudly told Ántonia that "in his country only rich people had cows, but here any man could have one who would take care of her," lost his brother and had to sell his possessions due to bankruptcy. When Jim tells Ántonia that Coronado, who searched the American west for the Seven Golden Cities, died heartbroken in the wilderness, she sighs, "More than him has done that." The American Dream had also crushed her father's spirit.