Willa Cather's literary contributions were significantly influenced by her upbringing in Nebraska. Growing up on the Great Plains, she was exposed to the landscapes, cultures, and struggles of rural life, which became central themes in her work. Her novels, such as "My Ántonia," reflect the harsh yet beautiful realities of frontier life and the immigrant experience. Cather's own experiences with community and isolation shaped her nuanced characterizations and storytelling style. Her background imbued her writings with a deep sense of place and identity, ultimately establishing her as a key figure in capturing the American experience through literature.