Das Haus des Professors: Die Midlife-Crisis

Cather explores the professor's struggles with his sense of purpose and legacy. Do readers see parallels with contemporary questions about self-definition?

The historical backdrop feels integral to the characters' lives. I'm curious if the author drew from personal history or research to craft this environment.

I found those parts deeply moving but also a bit slow at times. Was this intentional to mirror the contemplative mood of the story?