By the Shores of Silver Lake Comprehension Questions

The scarlet fever had a devastating impact on Mary and her family. Mary and her siblings all contracted the fever, leaving Ma and Laura overwhelmed with caring for everyone while also dealing with the fear of being infected themselves. Additionally, Mary lost her sight due to the fever, which brought immense emotional and practical challenges to the family.

The scarlet fever took a heavy emotional and physical toll on the family. Mary's blindness was a particularly devastating consequence of the illness, causing immense emotional strain on her and the rest of the family. The physical exhaustion and worry of caring for sick family members also took a toll on Ma and Laura, leaving them feeling tired and sad.

Mary remained remarkably patient and brave despite the challenges she faced. Even as her condition worsened and she lost her sight, she did not succumb to despair. She displayed resilience and strength throughout the ordeal, maintaining her composure and facing her circumstances with courage.

Mary's blindness had significant implications for her and her family's future. It meant that she would require ongoing care and support, impacting the family's dynamics and resources. Additionally, it changed the course of Mary's life, as she would need to adapt to living without sight and find new ways to navigate the world around her.

The significance of burying their dog, Jack, on the family's land in 'Laura's Journey West' signifies a departure from their current home and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Laura and her sisters wait anxiously at the train station, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about their upcoming train journey.

Laura feels ashamed for being cross with Mary and apologizes to her mother and sister for her behavior.

Mary, Laura's blind sister, displays joy as the family interacts with each other while waiting for the train.

Carrie, the youngest sister, expresses fear about the train journey and worries about their father meeting them.

The family's departure from Plum Creek marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The passage provides a detailed portrayal of the family's emotions and interactions, capturing the anticipation and uncertainty of the family's upcoming train journey.

Laura's mother carefully counts money for the train tickets before the journey.

The family dresses up for the train ride before they embark on their journey west.

The family anxiously listens for the train's arrival at the station, displaying their anticipation and uncertainty about the upcoming journey.

Laura describes the clothes and appearance of her family members as they wait for the train, capturing the anticipation and uncertainty of their upcoming journey.

Themes of departure, anticipation, uncertainty, and family dynamics are portrayed in the text.

The family is preparing for a journey to Dakota Territory.

Laura notices their old dog, Jack, is too old and sick to make the trip because he has been neglected while the family cared for sick members.

Laura bids Jack a gentle goodbye by making his bed and bidding him a gentle goodbye.

Jack, too tired to move, passes away during the night.

Jack's passing signifies the end of a chapter for Laura.

Laura recalls how Jack had always been there for her, had been her companion and protector, and how she had always felt safe with Jack around.

The family's journey is marked by the loss of their beloved dog.

Laura's fond memories of Jack and their time together reflect a deep bond.

Jack had been neglected while the family cared for sick members.

Jack had been with the family through many adventures.

Jack had always been there for Laura as her companion and protector.

Laura had always felt safe with Jack around.

The sensory experiences include the sight of the massive and loud train engine, the sensation of speed and changing scenery, the brightly lit train car with red velvet seats and large windows, the fast movement of the telegraph poles outside, and the luxurious interior of the train car.

A man helps Ma onto the train with Grace and Carrie, and then assists with their satchels.

The conductor collects tickets, and Ma mentions that Carrie and Grace ride for free.

Laura promises to be Mary's eyes and describes the train's interior to her.

The family enters a brightly lit train car with red velvet seats and large windows.

The family is unsure how to get their belongings on board when they watch the approaching train.

Laura describes the conductor's uniform and the fast movement of the telegraph poles outside.

Mary happily experiences the train journey through Laura's descriptions.

Ma arranges the family in their seats inside the train.

The train's engine and smokestack appear massive and loud, causing a commotion.

The significance is that Ma mentions that Carrie and Grace ride for free when the conductor collects tickets.

The text showcases the family's journey and the sensory experiences of traveling by train.

Laura's family faced struggles with finding enough food and money to survive in their settled country. The arrival of Aunt Docia, the job offer for Pa, and the prospect of a homestead in the west due to the new railroad construction were factors that led them to consider moving west.

Aunt Docia offered Pa a job as a storekeeper, bookkeeper, and timekeeper for $50 a month in the west where the new railroad was being built. This job offer excited Pa and played a significant role in the family's decision to move west for a better future.

Ma was hesitant about leaving their settled life, but Pa was determined to go west for a better future. This difference in their feelings created tension and uncertainty within the family.

Pa decided to sell their farm for $200 and planned for Ma and the girls to stay back until Mary was well enough to travel. This demonstrated his concern for their well-being during the transition.

The family planned to travel on a train, which was a new and exciting prospect for them. They viewed it with a mix of excitement and apprehension as they prepared to embark on a new journey.

The decision to move west brought a mix of excitement and apprehension for the family. They were hopeful for a better future in the west despite the uncertainties.

The text conveys the family's struggle for survival and the difficult decision to uproot their lives for a chance at a better future in the west. It reflects the challenges and uncertainties they faced in making this significant transition.

Aunt Docia's arrival and the job offer she presented to Pa played a pivotal role in the family's decision to move west. Her offer provided a new opportunity and hope for a better future.

The family's transition from their settled life to the uncertainties of the west brought a mix of emotions and impacted their outlook. They remained hopeful for a better future despite the challenges and unknowns they would encounter.

Aunt Docia shared news about their relatives back in Wisconsin, providing a connection to their past while they prepared to embark on a new journey to the west.

The family's cat, Black Susan, is still living in their old log house, which is now a corncrib, following their decision to move west.

The family experienced hopes for a better future in the west, despite the uncertainties and challenges they would face. This mix of emotions characterized their transition and decision to move west.

Laura feels a sense of excitement and anticipation about the journey, expressing a desire to go on and on to the very end of the road. She envisions a future living on the new homestead, preferring not to stop anywhere.

Laura prefers traveling on the wagon for this one day's trip, finding it rich and swift. She enjoys the open sky overhead and the prairie stretching away on all sides without the cover on the wagon.

Pa's arrival and the family's departure mark the beginning of their journey west, signifying a significant transition from their current life to the uncertainties and possibilities of the west.

The author conveys the family's sense of hope and determination through Laura's excitement about the journey, the anticipation of living on the new homestead, and the portrayal of the prairie stretching away on all sides with farms scattered over it.

A homesteader's wife who lives 3 miles away

Harness them to the buggy and drive them

Lena sings a song warning Laura about a young man

Lena sings a song warning Laura about a young man

They return to the camp

Tearing down the shanties and working on the railroad grade and road nearby

Jolly, with Pa's laughter filling the air

The cooking and washing for the men

Laura helps Lena harness the ponies and they enjoy a thrilling buggy ride

Aunt Docia and Lena

Being a 'lie-abed'

Lonesome and scary

Laura rode a pony with Lena, holding on tightly as it jolted and trotted, but eventually experienced the smoothest, rippling motion.

Aunt Docia and Ma were shocked by Laura's wild appearance after her adventurous afternoon with Lena.

Laura described the endless prairie as an enormous meadow, and the journey felt unchanging and never-ending.

After riding all morning, they stopped to rest and have a picnic lunch on the clean grass.

Laura and Mary had different perspectives on the prairie and the journey, struggling to communicate their feelings and observations.

The text captures the sense of adventure, the vastness of the prairie, and the challenges of communication and perspective.

Laura's pony ride with Lena ended with the family loading up the wagon and leaving the camp, heading towards Silver Lake.

The family's journey towards Silver Lake was marked by passing the Big Sioux River, where the horses drank, and continuing into the prairie.

The family felt small in the vast, unchanging prairie, while the sun moved steadily in the sky.

Laura and Mary struggled to communicate their feelings and observations during the journey.

Laura described the journey as unchanging and never-ending, and the prairie as an enormous meadow.

Laura described her pony ride with Lena as a wild adventure, and the journey as unchanging and never-ending with the family feeling small in the vast prairie.

Pa revealed that Uncle Hi finished a contract and is moving to a new camp farther west, which also prompts the family to move in a couple of days as Pa has not looked for a homestead yet.

Laura and Carrie endured the discomfort of the journey to accommodate Mary's needs.

The family enjoyed bread, butter, and hardboiled eggs during their lunch break by the creek.

The family wished for a change in the scenery as they continued their long journey.

The family saw a light in the distance, which turned out to be Aunt Docia's house.

The family was welcomed by Aunt Docia and her children, Lena and Jean. They learned that Uncle Hi is facing financial struggles despite his hard work.

Laura was invited to ride black ponies and go for the washing with Lena at Aunt Docia's house.

Laura struggled to stay awake during supper due to her fatigue from the journey at Aunt Docia's house.

The family was shown warm hospitality and a sense of community upon their arrival at Aunt Docia's house.

Laura expresses her desire to avoid responsibility and settle down, while Lena vows to never marry and keep moving west.

Laura's fear of riding the pony highlights her apprehension about growing up and facing new experiences, reflecting her reluctance to take on responsibilities and embrace maturity.

The text portrays a sense of freedom and adventure in the prairie as the girls enjoy the thrill of riding and racing the ponies, capturing the carefree spirit of childhood.

Laura and Lena feel both scared and apprehensive as they reflect on the responsibilities of marriage and growing up, showcasing their contrasting attitudes and fears.

The text illustrates the contrast between the carefree nature of childhood and the apprehensions of growing up and taking on responsibilities, capturing the conflicting emotions and experiences of the characters.

The girls manage to conceal their adventurous activities and continue their excitement, showcasing their ability to navigate and hide their escapades from the adults.

Laura feels scared but eventually rides a pony with Lena's help, realizing the challenges of horseback riding and the bravery needed to overcome her fears.

The story captures the carefree spirit of childhood and the apprehensions of growing up in the vast and wild prairie, reflecting the characters' conflicting emotions and experiences.

Laura's desire to avoid responsibility and settle down reflects her reluctance to embrace maturity and take on the traditional roles expected of women during that time period, highlighting her resistance to conforming to societal norms.

Laura's fear of growing up and taking on responsibilities is evident throughout the text, showcasing her reluctance to transition into adulthood and face new experiences.

The text captures the girls' excitement and sense of freedom as they race across the prairie in a buggy, showcasing their carefree and adventurous spirits.

Laura taking the reins to drive the ponies and their subsequent race back to camp symbolizes the girls' freedom and exhilaration, as they momentarily forget about their responsibilities and enjoy the thrill of the moment.

Laura and Carrie encounter ducks and geese speeding over the grass-tops, while the whole air explodes in a noise of squawking, quacking, quonking. They stand still, with the coarse-stemmed slough grass rising above their heads and making a rough sound in the wind. Their bare feet sink slowly into the ooze. Laura is drawn to the little ponds glimmering among the tall grasses, but she turns back with Mary and Carrie to the hard, higher prairie where waist-high grasses are nodding and bending in the wind.

The atmosphere is wild and beautiful, with all kinds of little birds fluttering and flying, and prairie hens scuttling everywhere. The surroundings consist of coarse-stemmed slough grass, tall bending grass stems, and flaming red tiger lilies along the edge of the slough. On higher ground, they gather long branching stems of purple buffalo bean pods, and grasshoppers fly up like spray before their feet in the grasses.

Laura desires to go on and on into the slough among the wild birds, but she cannot leave Mary and Carrie. Therefore, she turns back with them to the hard, higher prairie despite the allure of the little ponds glimmering among the tall grasses.

Laura experiences a sense of longing and conflict as she is drawn to the beauty of the slough and the wild birds, but feels torn by her responsibility towards Mary and Carrie, ultimately turning back with them to the higher prairie.

The text describes the process of building the railroad in the prairie as involving men with teams and plows breaking the prairie sod to build the railroad grade. The teams and men use plows and scrapers to break the sod and build the grade. The scrapers are pulled by teams, filled with loose earth, and then tipped over at the end of the grade. The work is overseen by Fred to ensure the grade is even, straight, and level. There are 30 teams and 30 scrapers, all moving in time and working like the works of a clock.

Laura is fascinated by the construction of the railroad and wants to see more of it being built. She is captivated by the meticulous and coordinated work of building the railroad in the untamed land, reflecting the pioneering spirit and the fascination with the construction.

Ma wants Laura to stay away from the rough men in the railroad camp, reflecting her concern for Laura's safety and well-being in that environment.

Fred oversees the work to ensure the grade is even, straight, and level, demonstrating the attention to detail and precision required in the construction process.

The narrative captures the meticulous and coordinated work of building the railroad in the untamed land, reflecting the pioneering spirit and the fascination with the construction.

Laura's fascination with the construction of the railroad reflects the pioneering spirit and the sense of adventure in witnessing the development of infrastructure in the wild prairie.

The work of building the railroad grade is described as involving men with teams and plows breaking the prairie sod, using plows and scrapers to build the grade, and ensuring meticulous coordination and precision in the construction process.

The portrayal of the construction of the railroad captures the pioneering spirit and the fascination with developing infrastructure in the wild prairie, highlighting the determination and effort required to build in such a challenging environment.

Laura is captivated by the meticulous and coordinated work of building the railroad in the untamed land, reflecting the pioneering spirit and the sense of adventure in witnessing the development of infrastructure in the wild prairie.

The text depicts the atmosphere of meticulous coordination and the challenges of building the railroad in the untamed land, highlighting the determination and effort required to construct infrastructure in such a rugged environment.

The text conveys the pioneering spirit through the fascination with the construction of the railroad and the challenges of building in the untamed land, reflecting the determination and perseverance required to develop infrastructure in such a wild and rugged environment.

Laura wants to see more of the construction of the railroad, reflecting her fascination with the pioneering spirit and the sense of adventure in witnessing the development of infrastructure in the wild prairie.

Pa

half-Indians

Old Johnny

Big Jerry

the family's daily life and concerns in their pioneer setting

the atmosphere, activities, and relationships

in their frontier lifestyle

flocks of wild ducks and geese

armfuls of tiger lilies and purple bean pods

about horse thieves, specifically a man named Big Jerry

breakfast

their shanty by Silver Lake

Big Jerry is a character who takes care of Old Johnny and is mentioned to be in danger of being shot by some men. His presence creates tension and anticipation of a possible confrontation.

Laura and Ma sit in the dark, listening to the sounds outside, which adds to the atmosphere of suspense and tension. They also reflect on their concerns for Pa's safety and reminisce about personal matters, highlighting the strong sense of community and concern for each other's safety.

The text is set in a camp on the prairie, with a tense atmosphere due to the presence of armed men and the anticipation of a possible confrontation with Big Jerry. The description of the dark, starry night and the sounds of nature outside adds to the atmosphere of suspense and tension, creating an overall mood of apprehension and concern.

Ma advises Laura to brush her hair more and strokes her hair, reflecting the intimate and caring familial dynamics portrayed in the text.

Pa assures Ma that everything is all right and mentions that Big Jerry wouldn't be coming into camp that night. This contributes to the resolution of the tension by alleviating the immediate threat and reassuring the characters.

The text highlights the characters' concern for each other's safety through actions such as Big Jerry taking care of Old Johnny, Ma staying awake while Pa is away, and Laura's desire to go out and find Pa despite Ma's advice. These actions demonstrate the strong sense of community and mutual care among the characters.

The text mentions that Big Jerry always wears a bright red shirt and never uses a strap on his horse. These details contribute to the characterization of Big Jerry as a distinct and memorable figure, adding to the tension surrounding his potential confrontation with the armed men.

The presence of armed men and the anticipation of a possible confrontation with Big Jerry creates a tense and apprehensive atmosphere, adding to the overall tension and suspense in the text.

Laura and Ma listen to the sounds outside, including the call of a lost wild goose, which adds to the atmosphere of suspense and tension. These sounds contribute to the overall mood by intensifying the sense of apprehension and concern.

Ma's reminiscence about her hair and her advice to Laura to brush her hair more, followed by Ma stroking Laura's hair, reflects the intimate and caring familial dynamics portrayed in the text, highlighting moments of personal connection and concern for each other.

Pa's laughter and mention of a 'sleepy bunch of men' working on the grade the next day contribute to the resolution of the tension by signaling a shift in the immediate threat and creating a sense of relief and lightheartedness after the apprehensive atmosphere.

Laura and Pa are living at Silver Lake camp where the men are working on the railroad.

Aunt Docia moves into the camp with two cows, including a cow named Ellen for Pa.

Aunt Docia moves into the camp with two cows, including a cow named Ellen for Pa. Laura and Lena take care of the cows, leading them to drink and milking them while singing.

Pa surprises Laura by inviting her to see the men working at the store and promises to take her.

Ma advises Laura on proper behavior and manners before the visit to the work site.

The camp is noisy during meal times but quiet when the men are working.

Lena expresses a desire to see the men working, but they cannot go without the ponies.

The girls hardly meet except during milking time as they are busy with chores.

Laura helps with household chores and sewing, and takes care of the cows with Lena.

Mary learns to sew despite her blindness at the camp.

Laura and Lena take care of the cows, leading them to drink and milking them while singing.

The men are working on the railroad at the camp.

The process involves teams steadily walking out of the cut, pulling loaded scrapers, going up the grade to the top of the dump, crossing the platform, and passing over the hole to dump the dirt. A circle of wagons is moving through the dump, catching the dirt from the scrapers. Each wagon waits for five scraper-loads and then moves on, while the wagons themselves have no wagon-boxes and are only platforms of heavy planks. The teamster turns the planks over to dump the dirt.

The dump is a deep ditch at the end of the cut, with heavy timbers shoring up the sides and a flat platform made over the top of it. The platform has a hole in the middle, and earth is graded high on each side of the ditch to make a road level with the platform.

The teams steadily walk one behind another, pulling loaded scrapers out of the cut and across the platform to dump the dirt into the hole. Meanwhile, a circle of wagons moves through the dump to catch the dirt from the scrapers. The wagons wait for five scraper-loads, then move on, extending the railroad grade as they dump the dirt.

The absence of wagon-boxes reflects the simplicity and functionality of the wagons, which are only platforms of heavy planks. The teamster's action of turning the planks over to dump the dirt demonstrates the practicality and efficiency of the process, as it allows for quick and effective unloading of the dirt.

The bosses

They initially measure and mark the railroad grade with grade-stakes, guiding the construction.

Building the railroad grade, which is only a concept at this stage, not yet an actual railway.

Emphasizing the gradual progress and effort required in building a railroad.

Laura wonders if the first railroad was created because people thought of it first when it wasn't there. Pa agrees.

Pa calculates the workers' earnings from the time-book every evening after supper.

Laura is captivated by the precision and rhythm of the workers, while Mary questions her interest in watching the men work in the dirt.

The text paints a vivid picture of the prairie, with the anticipation of trains and tracks that are not yet physically present.

Pa explains that the house by the lake is the surveyors' house that comes and goes.

The construction process involves the shovelmen smoothing and leveling the sides of the grade before the rails are laid.

Laura ponders whether the first railroad was created because people thought of it first when it wasn't there. It reflects the pioneering spirit of imagining and creating something new.

The workers tirelessly move in circles, creating the railroad grade under the supervision of the bosses.

The men at the camp were only paid up to the fifteenth, leading to demands for their full pay.

He kept the money in a lean-to office at the back of the store and paid the men through a small opening beside the door.

One man was struck over the head with the weight from the scales, leading to threats and violence.

She questioned where he got the additional money to pay the men.

She expressed thankfulness that the paymaster was sensible and emphasized the importance of discretion.

The migration of birds and the impact of the changing seasons on their behavior.

She expresses a strong desire to stay in the area, preferring the open prairie to Plum Creek.

Geese, brant, ducks, herons, pelicans, cranes, mudhens, and hell-divers.

The weather getting colder and the sky filling with migrating birds flying over Silver Lake.

Some demanded to hang the paymaster, but ultimately, the paymaster paid every man what he claimed was due.

A variety of birds, driven by the approaching winter.

They communicate in various bird voices before resting for the night.

The men at the camp demand goods from Pa's store, but he can't pay them until the paymaster arrives, leading to a conflict.

Big Jerry intervenes and convinces the men to wait until the next day, preventing the opening of the store.

Pa reveals that the men from the camp went to cause trouble at another camp, leading to a riot and causing tension and uncertainty at the camp.

Pa tells Ma that the men hanged the paymaster and hurt another man, causing distress to Ma.

Pa plans to pick out their homestead as soon as the camps close, but he is occupied with the store until then, reflecting his hope for a peaceful future and the ongoing conflict's impact on his responsibilities.

The conversation between Pa and Ma reflects their worries about the ongoing conflict and their hope for a peaceful future, highlighting their concerns and aspirations for a better and safer environment.

The text portrays the tension and uncertainty caused by the conflict at the camp and its impact on the characters' lives, emphasizing the disruptive effects of the conflict on their daily lives and emotions.

Laura

a heavy canvas bag containing the men's pay

revolver and guns

receiving their wages for two weeks instead of a full month's wages

the time needed for issuing time-checks and acquiring the money

Ma

their overdue wages

trying to manage the workers' expectations and maintain the security of the money

a fast team

calculates how much each man owes the store and deducts his board-bill

a crowd of men silently gathering outside the store

in a sack of flour

Laura explores the empty house and finds a large front room, a stove left by the surveyors, and three other rooms, including a small store.

Ma makes the beds and Pa sets up a trundle bed for Grace, arranging the rooms.

The family enjoys a feast for supper using the surveyors' dishes and canned peaches for dessert. They appreciate the spacious house with glass windows and a board floor.

The moving-in process is completed, and the dishes are quickly cleared and washed in the pantry.

Laura feels the wind against her, the coldness and then warmth of the wind, and her breath throb hard in her chest as she runs ahead to the surveyors' house.

As Laura runs ahead, she passes spoiled spots where the camp had been, feels the earth hard under her feet, and experiences the vastness of the prairie, the great sky, and the clear wind.

As Laura stops running and waits for the wagon, she hears the sound of the wind in the grasses and the lippety-lapping of the lake water, and she hoppity-skips on the short dry grass along the shore.

Laura's running ahead and waiting for the wagon reflect her independence, fearlessness, and connection with the untamed land, as she experiences the freedom and vastness of the prairie and the clear, free sky.

The family engages in activities such as preparing for a journey, discussing potential dangers, reinforcing the stable, singing and dancing to Pa's fiddle music, and preparing for bed with a lantern.

Pa plays the fiddle.

60 miles to the east and 40 miles to the west.

The family is concerned about the cold weather and potential dangers for Carrie's journey.

Pa sings a song about independence and self-sufficiency.

Pa reinforces the stable to protect against potential wolf attacks.

The family hears a wolf howling outside.

Laura and Pa discuss the presence of wolf tracks near the stable.

The family gathers around the stove, and Pa plays the fiddle while they sing together.

An old man sick with consumption, Mr. Woodworth, arrives at the family's house.

Mary requests to hear 'Highland Mary' on the fiddle.

The family faces the challenge of helping the sick neighbor, realizing the harshness of life on the prairie.

Mr. Woodworth is determined to stay on the prairie for the cure.

Laura and Carrie learn to dance to Pa's music.

Pa encourages the girls to continue dancing and promises more cozy evenings.

Pa and the teamster pack up Mr. Woodworth and his belongings.

Pa plays the fiddle late into the night.

Laura opens the door to bitter cold as they head to bed.

The family feels content and grateful for their provisions, including a warm stable for their animals.

The family prepares for bed with the lantern, feeling the cold from outside.

Pa expresses optimism about the milder winters in their area.

Pa reassures them.

The family discusses the responsibility of caring for him.

The family sings and dances together to Pa's fiddle music.

catching foxes, coyotes, and muskrats for their furs

she sees with her fingers

sliding

how to play checkers

go sliding on the ice, and Ma and Pa allow them with proper clothing

woolen clothing

a safe path away from the water hole

knitting, sewing, crocheting, music, singing, and dancing

the stark beauty and challenges

go somewhere

she is skilled and resourceful

by racing down the snowy path and going sliding on Silver Lake

‘Merry Christmas Everywhere,’ Cheerily it ringeth through the air; Christmas bells, Christmas trees, Christmas odors on the breeze.

Ma

Never mind, I’ll manage somehow

Light for weary wanderers…

Mrs. Boast

whatnot, a shelving unit

a new addition, fitting snugly into a corner and adorned with decorative elements

pioneering spirit and resourcefulness

community and the simple joys found in reading, storytelling, and crafting

reading a new part of the story each day

sewing or knitting

decorative curtains and shows them how to make folded squares of heavy wrapping paper

the daily lives and activities of the Ingalls family and their interactions with their neighbors in the Dakota prairie

pioneering spirit and resourcefulness

community and the simple joys found in reading, storytelling, and crafting

community and the simple joys found in reading, storytelling, and crafting

Presents from Ma

Not having presents for them

Handmade gifts

Pa and the Boasts to arrive

Ma receiving a handkerchief and Laura receiving an apron

Love

An apron made by her family from the same fabric as Ma's

A beautiful blue coat and a swan's-down hood

The comforting aroma of cooking and the golden light from the frost-furred windows

Gratitude and admiration for the thoughtful and handmade gifts

Ma lovingly dressing Grace in a beautiful blue coat and a swan's-down hood

By placing presents on the breakfast table

fried mush, hot biscuits, fried potatoes, codfish gravy, and dried-apple sauce

their cow producing little milk

Christmas aprons

she lays thin slices of salt pork over the rabbit

the first time

Pa and Mr. Boast

the rabbit and gravy

Ma had smaller portions and Mrs. Boast had just one more biscuit

Mr. Boast’s bobsled from a slough

making delicious biscuits using sour dough

roasted jack rabbit with bread-and-onion stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, Johnny cake, biscuits, and cucumber pickles

a coat and hood, and packages of candy

Oyster soup, hot biscuits with honey, dried-raspberry sauce, and tender salty popcorn

The oyster soup is described as savory, fragrant, and sea-tasting, with golden dots of melted cream and little dark oysters at the bottom

Laura reflects on feeling that each Christmas is better than the last, and the joy of growing up and the happiness of the winter days

The women hide a bag of popcorn for a surprise while the men play a game of checkers

Ma and Laura help Mrs. Boast settle into their tiny house, making it cozy despite its small size and lack of a floor

The family and their guests enjoy a hearty Christmas dinner, including dried-apple pie, expressing satisfaction and contentment

The dinner is served on Mrs. Boast's pretty dishes and brand-new tablecloth, adding a fashionable touch to the celebration

Laura savors the taste of the oyster soup and enjoys the daintily served meal

Mrs. Boast cooks a New Year's dinner consisting of oyster soup, hot biscuits with honey, dried-raspberry sauce, and tender salty popcorn in her tiny house after the snow melts

The men set up a stove and table, and the women hide a bag of popcorn for a surprise, contributing to the festive atmosphere and the novelty of the New Year's dinner celebration

Mrs. Boast is always merry and full of fun during the Christmasy feeling and the New Year's dinner celebration

They play a game of checkers and secretly make popcorn, surprising and delighting the men

Pa overhears two men discussing a piece of land near De Smet, and he decides to beat them to it by filing a claim on it before them.

Pa decides to spend the night on the Land Office doorstep because he wants to ensure he is the first to file a claim on the piece of land he overheard the men discussing.

There were about forty men waiting at the Land Office when Pa arrived. To ensure he got the claim he wanted, he settled down on the doorstep to spend the night and beat the others to it.

Pa settled down on the Land Office doorstep to spend the night, along with about forty other men, to ensure he was the first to file a claim on the piece of land.

Laura and her family arrive in a new town where Pa is building a new home. Pa's building is unfinished, with wide boards for floors and walls with cracks and knotholes. The family sets up their living space with a curtain dividing the room and a makeshift bed. Laura feels crowded by strangers outside the building and has a dream of wolves howling. The family wakes up to a snowstorm, with snow covering their beds. Pa shovels the snow off the beds and the family gets dressed by the warm stove. The children help clear the snow from their clothes and the room.

The family wakes up to a snowstorm, with snow covering their beds. Pa shovels the snow off the beds and the family gets dressed by the warm stove. The children help clear the snow from their clothes and the room. The town is covered in snow, and the family marvels at the unexpected blizzard in April. The stove provides warmth and comfort in the cold building.

The text depicts the challenges and resilience of pioneer life by portraying the unfinished living conditions of the new town, the unexpected snowstorm, and the family's adaptation to their new living conditions. It also highlights the family's determination to make the best of the situation and their ability to find comfort and warmth despite the challenges they face.

The story captures the pioneering spirit and adaptability of the family by showing how they adapt to the unexpected snowstorm, make the best of their living conditions, and find comfort and warmth in the cold building. It also portrays their resilience in the face of challenges and their determination to overcome obstacles in their new town.

The challenges included Pa sleeping on the floor with boarders, increased cost of supplies, emergence of new buildings and strangers in town, the family working for strangers, the need to save money for Mary's college education, and the feeling of loneliness and fear amidst the bustling town life.

Pa planned to move the family to town and sell the building, while Laura hoped to save money for Mary's college education.

Preparations included washing quilts and blankets as the surveyors were expected to arrive soon.

The girls quarreled over the stuffing for the roast goose, despite lacking sage or onion.

The bustling town life and the contrast with the peaceful prairie marked a significant change in their lives.

Laura felt lonely and scared amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.

The streets were filled with sawdust, shavings, and deep ruts from wagon wheels, signifying the town's rapid development.

The transition to town brought about a sense of loneliness and fear in Laura, underscoring the stark contrast between the peaceful prairie and the bustling town life.

The family was relieved to be done working for strangers and earning over forty dollars.

Pa planned to move the family to town and sell the building.

Pa slept on the floor with the boarders to make room for the family in the bedroom, while more boarders occupied the attic.

The increased cost of supplies made it difficult for Ma to make a profit, as the roads were muddy, and transportation costs were high.

Mr. Edwards

Pa bets $14 against 160 acres of land that they could live on the claim for five years

$15.25, earned from selling butter and eggs

A store

The money they are making and the rapidly constructed houses and buildings

Not to count chickens before they hatch

The influx of boarders

A significant shift

Seven strangers

In the store he starts building in town

Taking care of the boarders in the house

They vow to help Pa live on the claim for five years

Pa believes in building and not waiting for things to suit them before they start.

Laura feels restless and prefers to be out on the prairie with nature.

Ma suggests Laura starts teaching school to keep Carrie at home and be good for all of them.

The need to move to the claim right away due to a murder south of town, involving a claim jumper killing Hunter.

The text portrays the pioneer family's resilience, their struggle with the harsh weather, and their determination to build a new life on the homestead despite the challenges they face.

Laura struggles to make them sit still and study.

The family plans to move to the homestead as more wagons come into town, and the railroad grade is being leveled.

Pa announces the need to move to the claim right away due to a murder south of town.

Laura is relieved to be free from teaching and starts singing while she sweeps the floor.

Laura agrees to teach Carrie and her friends, Louizy and Annie, reluctantly.

Carrie enjoys the town, but Laura feels restless and prefers to be out on the prairie with nature.

Pa plans to put up a claim shanty and move the family to the homestead in two days.

The significance of trees in the text revolves around the desire for greenery and the restful shade they provide, contrasting with the vast, treeless prairie landscape. The trees represent a change in the landscape, symbolizing hope, progress, and a more varied environment.

The conversation reflects Pa's preference for clear prairie land for farming, while Ma expresses a longing for trees and the restful shade they provide. It highlights their differing perspectives on the landscape and the practicality of farming versus the aesthetic and environmental benefits of having trees.

Pa's reference to 'Uncle Sam's tending to that' indicates the government's involvement in promoting tree planting and shaping the land. It reflects the government's efforts to encourage afforestation and environmental change through policies such as the tree claims.

The discussion about trees foreshadows potential challenges and changes in the family's future on the prairie by hinting at the impact of afforestation on the landscape, farming practices, and the environment. It sets the stage for potential adjustments and adaptations as the prairie undergoes transformation.

Grace

sitting in a pool of violets in a hidden hollow in the prairie

Laura describes it as a perfectly round place covered in violets, questioning if it could be a fairy ring. Ma dismisses the idea of fairies.

fear and panic of losing a child in the vast prairie, relief and joy of finding Grace safe and sound, strong bond and care between family members

a sense of magic and wonder

Laura takes Grace back home, while Pa and Ma slowly make their way out of Big Slough

The emotions and challenges

the strong bond and care between them as they come together to find Grace

the fear and panic of losing a child in the vast prairie

the relief and joy of finding Grace safe and sound

a sense of magic and wonder

The strong bond and care between family members

mosquito bar and lumber to make a frame for a screen door

He built a smudge of old, damp grass to create smoke that would keep the mosquitoes away

They used a smoke screen before the stable door

He tacked mosquito bar over the windows and door, and he built smudges of old, damp grass to create smoke that would keep the mosquitoes away

He brought yards of pink mosquito bar and strips of lumber to make a frame for a screen door

He built a smudge of old, damp grass to create smoke that would keep the mosquitoes away, and he made sure there was no dry grass near the smudges

They used mosquito bar over the windows and door, and Pa built smudges of old, damp grass to create smoke that would keep the mosquitoes away

He built a smudge of old, damp grass to create smoke that would keep the mosquitoes away

Settling on their homestead claim, planting windbreak, hanging china shepherdess and weapons, playing fiddle and singing, doing dishes, planning to build more rooms, raise hay and cattle, building stable, dealing with mosquitoes.

Plays the fiddle and sings a song about the horseshoe bringing good luck.

Build more rooms, have a driving team and buggy, focus on raising hay and cattle.

By carrying the dishpan away from the back door and flinging the water over the grass.

Pa starts building a stable for the horses and Laura helps him with the construction.

The mosquitoes from the Big Slough.

He acknowledges that the situation with the mosquitoes is unacceptable.

A bright, new horseshoe.

The absence of buffalo and the family's new life as homesteaders.

Ellen the horse, the other animals, and the family.

She helps him with the construction of a stable for the horses.

Plays the fiddle and sings a song about the horseshoe bringing good luck.

Laura feels guilty for not helping her mother and goes back to the shanty to assist her.

Laura's father arrives with little cottonwood trees for planting, and the trees are from seeds of a giant tree they saw on their way to Lake Henry.

The family plants little cottonwood trees to create a windbreak around the shanty, and each family member, including the youngest, Grace, gets a tree to plant.

The family has a clock, glass boxes, and other decorative items in the shanty, and Laura's mother is baking bread and preparing dinner.

The scene portrays the family's efforts to settle and make their shanty a home on the prairie.

Laura is picking wildflowers and enjoying the prairie landscape.

The family is unpacking their belongings in the shanty, and Laura's father arrives with little cottonwood trees for planting.

Laura's mother is baking bread and preparing dinner, and she receives little cottonwood trees from Laura's father.

Each family member, including the youngest, Grace, gets a little cottonwood tree to plant.

The family works together to plant the little cottonwood trees and water them to create a windbreak around the shanty and protect it.

Laura is picking wildflowers and enjoying the prairie landscape when she feels guilty for not helping her mother, and she goes back to the shanty to assist her.

The family plants little cottonwood trees to create a windbreak around the shanty and make it a more welcoming home.