In "a wagner matinee, willa cather contrasts boston's civilized culture and way of life with

Nebraska's harsh and physically demanding way of life

When looking back on the short story, “A Wagner Matinee,” by Willa Sibert Cather, we are introduced to Aunt Georgina with descriptions of how she would have to get her water back in Nebraska from a “lagoon” as well as other hardships one might expect when living out of the city in the early 1900s.  This is followed (contrasted) with the image/symbolism of everything that is implied with classical music of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (a symphony of Wagner)—higher living expectations and conveniences of city living.  As such, the contrast is with Boston’s civilized life and Nebraska’s harsh/demanding way of life.

to create suspense.