In "The Death of the Archbishop," Willa Cather portrays a critique of modernity through the creation of the Southwest Catholic Diocese in the mid-19th century. Despite being criticized as an escapist, Kaiser refuted it in "Escapistism", arguing that literature and art can be more deeply involved in reality. Her works continue to focus on the present, such as the "Prairie Trilogy" condemning the Americanization movement, while "The Death of the Archbishop", although a historical theme, resonates with her real-life experiences. The missionary journey of Archbishop Latour in the novel corresponds to Catherine's travel experience, reflecting spatial dynamism. Using the theories of Deleuze and Gatali, Latour's missionary journey can be seen as a movement to decentralize modernity, reflecting Kaiser's questioning of early 20th century American modernity issues. Meanwhile, Latour's actions also propelled the westward expansion movement of the 19th century, demonstrating Kaiser's affirmation of modern spatial reproduction and revealing contradictions in his critique of modernity.

Entering the hinterland of an unknown continent

Detailed description of the experience of French missionary Latour being sent to the New Mexico Territory in the United States, as well as his historical representation and criticism of modernity in the southwestern United States. Latour embarked on a difficult journey from industrialized Ohio to New Mexico, a region full of unknowns and exotic cultures for him. The geographical remoteness, economic backwardness, and exotic culture of New Mexico have brought profound spatial and cognitive changes to Latour, which have been described by Deleuze and Gatali as a movement of de territorialization, a shift from dominant space to disadvantaged space and a shift in ideological concepts.

Build a church that complements the background perfectly

Explored Latour's behavior of de territorialization and re territorialization during his missionary work in New Mexico, as well as his close connection with political changes in the United States. As the newly appointed Bishop of New Mexico appointed by the Vatican, Latour's mission is to establish a new diocese, replace Mexican priests, and promote Mexican identification with the new lords of America. He collaborated with the US military to promote Mexican identity by establishing schools and educating them. During this process, Latour's missionary activities were intertwined with the westward expansion movement in 19th century America. He tacitly approved and participated in the United States' occupation of Native American lands, contributing to the expansion of American territory. At the same time, Kather's evaluation of Latour in the novel presents complexity. She not only praises Latour's establishment of the diocese, but also sympathizes with the injustice of the US government and the misfortune of Native Americans. Kather's view of history conflicts with her critique of modernity, as she believes that the progress of history requires necessary evil. Although the Western expansion movement encroached on the living space of Native Americans, it was seen as a progress of history. The narrative structure of the novel and Katherine's real life both reflect her helplessness towards the contradiction between modernity criticism and historical representation.