On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
"On the Banks of Plum Creek" is the fourth book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved series that chronicles her childhood experiences in the late 1800s. Set in Minnesota, the narrative follows the Ingalls family as they transition to a new life in a sod dugout along Plum Creek while dreaming of a prosperous harvest from the fertile soil. The story captures the challenges of frontier life, including the family's struggle against natural disasters, such as devastating grasshopper swarms that threaten their wheat crop.
As the family adapts to their environment, they also embrace new opportunities, such as attending school and participating in community church services. The book illustrates the resilience and unity of the Ingalls family as they navigate hardships, including a severe blizzard that tests their endurance and survival skills. Wilder's vivid storytelling invites readers to experience the emotional highs and lows of pioneer life, fostering an appreciation for simple living and strong familial bonds. This work not only provides historical context but also resonates with themes of perseverance and hope, making it a valuable read for children and adults alike.
On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
First published: 1937; illustrated
Type of work: Historical fiction
Themes: Family, nature, and jobs and work
Time of work: 1874-1875
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Locale: Minnesota
Principal Characters:
Laura , the seven-year-old, middle daughter in a family of five, who is outgoing and independent, much like her father in temperamentPa , the hardworking head of the family, a true pioneer who is able and willing to meet the challenge of building a life on the new frontierMa , a fine teacher and perfect complement to Pa, for whom the family’s welfare comes firstMary , the oldest daughter, an obedient child who is more serious than LauraCarrie , the youngest daughter, who is too young to assume such responsibilities as are placed on other family members
The Story
The setting of the story makes it possible for the reader to place himself or herself in a particular period in U.S. history. In this fourth of a series of eight books based on the author’s own life, the members of the Ingalls family have just moved to Minnesota, where they begin by living in a sod dugout in the creek bank. This residence is to be only temporary; once the first wheat crop is harvested, money is to be available for building a new home. While a tremendous adjustment must be made to this unfamiliar circumstance, the family manages to meet the challenge successfully.
While they are still experiencing life on the frontier as they had in previous books, that life is changing. Chief among these changes is the fact that they live only a day’s journey from a town, which makes possible a closer association with others outside their family. Mary and Laura are able to attend school for the first time, prior teaching having been provided by their mother in the home. The entire family is able to attend church services and Sunday school on the Sundays when a minister comes to town.
The move to Minnesota had been based largely on the promise of being able to raise and harvest a bumper wheat crop on the fertile land to be found there. The mention of grasshopper weather by the Norwegian immigrant who sold Pa Ingalls the land meant nothing to Pa at the time; the meaning, however, becomes clear when it is nearly time for the harvest. Hordes of grasshoppers descend on the land and devour everything in sight, including wheat, grass, and plants. They come in such huge throngs that they literally block the sunlight. They invade home and barn and, indeed, every inch of available space.
Pa had borrowed money to build a new home for the family above the ground; this new, fairly modern house was finished before the grasshopper hordes descended and destroyed the crop. Pa, who had been depending upon the harvest to pay for the house, is forced to find some other way of earning the money. He travels three hundred miles to help harvest crops elsewhere. His absences for extended periods require the family to assume many responsibilities in order to keep the household running smoothly.
A second harvest passes with the same results as grasshoppers again arrive in huge numbers and devour everything in sight. The Ingallses also experience a blizzard the likes of which they have never seen. Pa is stranded only a short distance from home for nearly four days. Although he is very near home, the blizzard is so intense that he is not able to see clearly enough to recognize where he is. A sheltered drop-off under which he slips prevents his freezing to death. The story ends on a positive note with the grasshoppers departing in great hordes; it appears that at last during this third year the bumper wheat crop will become a reality.
Context
On the Banks of Plum Creek (a runner-up for the Newbery Award in 1938) is the fourth in a series of eight books about the author’s (Laura’s) family life during her years of growing up. This book takes the Ingallses through two years in Minnesota. For children studying this period in history, Wilder has provided an excellent view of the life of a pioneer family in the late 1800’s. Children reading the book grow to understand and enjoy a simpler way of life. The strong family ties and love for one another demonstrated by the Ingallses have helped children appreciate these feelings and have continued to ensure the book’s popularity.
Wilder has succeeded in bringing to life a period of time by making readers feel that they are each an integral part of the Ingalls family. Wilder’s style enables the reader to have a vivid understanding of the events presented in the book. Through her choice of words, the reader sees, hears, and feels the grasshopper horde as it descends and causes total destruction. In a similar manner, those reading the book share in the tension of Ma and the girls as they wait at home for Pa, who is somewhere out in the devastating blizzard.
Wilder’s description and bringing to life of the harshness of nature bears strong similarity to that of O. E. Rolvaag in I de dage (1924-1925; Giants in the Earth, 1927). Both authors were writing about a similar area: Wilder about Minnesota and Rolvaag about South Dakota. Both were also writing about sturdy pioneers accustomed to facing hardship. Both authors present characters—Pa in Wilder’s book and Per Hansa in Giants in the Earth—on missions of mercy. Pa was bringing back provisions for his family, who had been marooned for some time in their home during the blizzard. Per Hansa set out to bring back medical assistance to a neighbor and fellow pioneer. For Pa, the journey ended happily with his safe return after surviving the ravaging blizzard, while Per Hansa perished, though his strong spirit lived on. Through Wilder’s books, the spirit of her family also endures and will continue to do so for her readers.
Bibliography
Anderson, William. “The Literary Apprenticeship of Laura Ingalls Wilder.” South Dakota History 13 (Winter, 1983): 285-331.
Erisman, Fred. Laura Ingalls Wilder. Boise, Idaho: Boise State University Press, 1994.
Mac Bride, Roger Lea. New Dawn on Rocky Ridge. Illustrated by David Gilleece. New York: HarperCollins, 1997.
Spaeth, Janet. Laura Ingalls Wilder. Boston: Twayne, 1987.
Walner, Alexandra. Laura Ingalls Wilder. New York: Holiday House, 1997.