Ma Was Afraid Of Indians Sparknotes

The Ingalls, whether at fault of their own or impressions from society, enter the West with preconceived prejudices against its inhabitants. This creates a variety of dynamics within the little family, as some individuals, such as Ma, look down upon the Indians, while others, such as Laura, finds fascination in the natives. It is the promise of seeing Indians, most importantly Indian’s babies, that allows Pa to secure Laura’s desire to move West. Yet there are familial influences, specifically Ma’s, that block Laura from fully embracing the Indians and having a relationship with her native neighbors. Implications teach her to distance herself from the Indians by disassociating them from humanity. However, as this essay will later discuss,

“Laura knew that Ma was afraid of Indians” (Wilder 263), and she talks about them as if they were dangerous animals that need to be removed for the safety of the civilized folks. Ma and Pa fear the unpredictable wildness in the Indians, using caution much like one would have when they stumbled upon a wild animal, and view them as savage creatures. When Laura tells Pa she thought of turning Jack loose on the Indians, he becomes very angry and afraid. He says that had she done so, Jack “would have bitten those Indians, then there would have been trouble. Bad trouble.” (Wilder 146) and killing Jack would not have been all they would do. On more than one occasion, Indians come to the Ingalls’ home and take whatever they please. The family stands back and allows the home to be ravaged, out of fear of what would happen if they drew attention to themselves by trying to intervene. The family dynamic of prejudice against, and fear of, the Indians impacts Laura’s ability to associate with the Indians. She is young and her world revolves around her family; she cannot stand against their beliefs. Therefore, she subconsciously represses the connection she shares with the

Jack the dog has the closest bond with Laura out of the Ingalls family. She shows a connection with the animal, and has a pretty good idea what his limitations are. While still traveling in the covered wagon, Laura is the only one concerned about Jack’s ability to make it across the big creek, and says, “I wish Jack could ride in the wagon, Pa”. Pa just ignores her concern and Ma says “Jack can swim, Laura, He will be all right.” (Wilder 20). But Jack was not all right! Once they cross the creek, Laura is the first to notice Jack’s absence. He was swept away by water and presumed dead by the family. When Jack does return to the family, it is Laura that first notices he is back. “She saw something. Deep in the dark beyond the firelight, two green lights were shining near the ground. They were eyes” (Wilder 33). Initially Laura is frighten, believing it is a wolf, and “the next thing she knew she was trying to hug a jumping, panting, wriggling Jack, who lapped her face and hands with his warm wet tongue.” (Wilder 34-35). When reunited with the family, the very first person Jack greets is Laura. He also chooses to “lay down close to Laura” (Wilder 36) many times. During their time on the little house on the prairie, Laura takes Jack’s feelings into account most often. She asks his forgiveness on behalf of the family when he returns after the creek incident, “you knew we didn’t mean it,