Willa Cather

Alexander's Bridge Willa Cather

Alexander's Bridge tells the story of Bartley Alexander, an engineer who designs bridges. A man of action, strong and handsome, Bartley has moved from his humble western beginnings to attain success and respect among eastern elites. His comfortable life and place in Boston's high society are thanks in no small part to his loving wife, Winifred, who comes from a well-to-do family. But Bartley's life is upended on a business trip to London. There he encounters Hilda, an old college flame who is now an actress. Already grappling with the feeling that his routinized life, successful though it may be, has left him empty, running into Hilda ignites a passionate affair. The love triangle that results and Bartley's internal struggle as he leads a double life provide much of the drama that unfolds. Bartley finds himself [End Page 90] helpless in his attempts to end his relationship with Hilda, ultimately leading to tragedy.