A Lost Lady

The narrative follows Niel Herbert, a young man in Sweet Water, as he observes the moral decline of Mrs. Forrester, a once-admired woman. Through Niel's perspective, Willa Cather explores themes of loss and disillusionment, reflecting on the fading ideals of the West from its noble pioneering days to a more exploitative capitalist era. The story is presented in the third person, allowing for a nuanced portrayal of both personal and societal transformations.