Analysis Of Prairie Girl Flashback By Laura Ingalls Wilder

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Prairie Girl Flashback
Laura Ingalls Wilder may be viewed as one of the greatest children’s authors of the twentieth century. Her works may be directed towards a younger crowd but people of all ages enjoy her literary contributions. The way that Wilder’s books are written guarantees that they have a place among classics of American literature (“So many…” 1). Laura Ingalls Wilder’s form of writing portrays an American family’s interworking in a journey through childhood.
Laura Ingalls Wilder’s use of characterization of the Ingalls family is carefully drawn. Throughout her writing, Wilder continuously edited her works so that they would maintain character consistency. By deleting material that drew credibility away from characterization, Wilder was able to strengthen sections that complemented established traits. Although Laura is the main characterization, Pa is the center of the Ingalls family. Pa’s decisions throughout the books determine the future of the family. Pa is a person who keeps the family the main concern. With Pa being able to interpret his surroundings, he is able to act as a translator of the unknown. When Pa senses danger, he is able to keep the family in high spirits by song. His music creates the family’s disposition as well as his own (“So many…” 13). Ma’s primary function in Wilder’s books is to act as foil to Pa’s hotheadedness. Her attitude throughout the books is one of placidity. With Ma’s quiet acceptance of what life brings her, she is able to suppress Pa’s fervent reactions. Ma is able to soothe Pa when agitated, as when he loses his temper during the long winter and rails at a blizzard howling outside, waving his fist and shouting at it. With few words, Ma can calm Pa and help restore his composure....

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...ear in the Big Woods (“Little House…” 801). Writing from limited omniscient point of view rather than first person point of view allows Wilder to explore beyond Laura’s acknowledged perceptions (“So many…” 4).
Librarians, parents, and teachers have all recommended the Little House books as wholesome fare for young readers. Many readers still admire the virtues exemplified in the books. Although the social environment is different than today’s social enviroment, Laura is easy to identify with, bridging the time gap (“Little House…” 802).The consistent point of view, strong sense of security, and delicate balance of the books brings praise from all of Wilder’s fans. Readers love that Wilder is able to give a dramatic truth to a book with the restraint of harsh language (Zochert 223). “This is the truth of the Little House books: the real things” (Zochert 224).

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