Marek Shimerda

Character Analysis

Marek is another minor character in the novel. He is a physically and mentally disabled child of the Shimerda family. He doesn't talk but sometimes making hooting noises. Because of his disability, Ambrosch is the son on whom the family pins all of their hopes. It is also on account of his disability that so much responsibility falls to Ántonia when it comes to supporting the family, particularly after their father dies.