Descriptive language shows that life on the prairie was difficult. The family did not speak much English, and the father is described as too old to be helpful with farming. He has lots of skills but none are good for farming. Cather describes him using a simile by saying his face looks like ashes. Their house is not in good shape. Cather uses a metaphor to say it is a "cave." Because they are new in the country and do not speak the language, life is difficult on the prairie.
