When he returns to the prairie in his middle years, he finds, almost like a fairy tale, that Antonia has preserved the cherished elements of their past. This long-awaited reunion feels like a moment of renewal for him. Unlike her nearly continuous bleak childhood, Antonia's present life presents Jim with a vision of peace and joy, seemingly unaffected by negative outside influences. She has transformed into a skilled agrarian heroine, proficient in domestic arts, equally talented in her fields and orchard, representing fertility and motherhood. Through her dedication, she has created an Eden-like environment on the frontier.

For one day and night, through Antonia, Jim experiences the warmth and abundance of the landscape. He revels in the richness of life surrounding him and reconnects with his fundamental values. To him, this prairie homestead is more than an agricultural paradise; it serves as a spiritual refuge embodying the highest human ideals. It symbolizes the stark contrast between the harmony achieved through art and the inherent anxiety of life.