In many works of literature, a common question is whether certain characters, scenes, and objects are just that or are instead symbols to advance the message of the author. Women are particularly notable victims. Many literary works revolve around a woman but do not allow her to tell her own story but channel it through the eyes of a male protagonist. A Lost Lady by Willa Cather is one such novel. Cather's work, however, serves as a deconstruction of her genre as the novel arrives at the conclusion that its heroine is, in fact, better as a symbol. A Lost Lady ends up taking steps to vilify the very human behaviors of its female protagonist, suggesting sexist ideas about the appropriate role of women. Specific areas addressed are women's emotional vulnerability, appearances and loss of vitality, and, most troubling, what is considered a proper ending for a woman. The relationship between the main characters, Niel and Mrs. Forrester, is built on idealizations. and unspoken expectations, most of which are never met. Mrs. Forrester's moral progeny is alternately viewed with both sympathy and disapproval, as Niel and the narrator cannot seem to understand. Forrester goes against his perception of her and relies on the idea that the Mrs. Forrester he loves is an idealization. This is demonstrated as said bitterness does not come from the actions themselves but from the betrayal of the true feminine personality that Niel is in love with. Specifically, this is referenced after Niel discovers she is having an affair. “Lilies that get infected,” he muttered, “Lilies that get infected smell a lot worse than weeds.” The grace, the variety, the beautiful voice, the spark of pleasure and fantasy in those dark eyes; it was all nothing. It was not a moral scruple that she had outraged, but an aesthetic ideal. Beautiful women, whose beauty meant more than it said… was their brilliance always fueled by something crude and hidden? Was this their secret?”