Laura Ingalls Wilder
Full Name and Common Aliases
Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder, often referred to simply as Laura Ingalls Wilder, is a name synonymous with the pioneering spirit of the American frontier. Known affectionately as "Laura" by her readers, she has become an iconic figure in American literature and history.
Birth and Death Dates
Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867, in the small town of Pepin, Wisconsin. She passed away on February 10, 1957, in Mansfield, Missouri, just three days after her 90th birthday.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Laura Ingalls Wilder was an American author and journalist. She is best known for her work as a writer, particularly for her series of children's books that provide a vivid depiction of life on the American frontier.
Early Life and Background
Laura Ingalls Wilder's early life was marked by the rugged and often challenging experiences of frontier living. Born to Charles and Caroline Ingalls, Laura was the second of five children. Her family moved frequently, seeking better opportunities and land, which took them across the Midwest, including stops in Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota. These formative years were characterized by the hardships and joys of pioneer life, which later became the foundation for her literary work.
Laura's education was sporadic due to the family's frequent relocations, but she was an avid learner and reader. Her experiences growing up in a log cabin, enduring harsh winters, and witnessing the transformation of the American landscape deeply influenced her perspective and writing style.
Major Accomplishments
Laura Ingalls Wilder's most significant accomplishment is her "Little House" series, a collection of autobiographical novels that chronicle her childhood and young adult years on the American frontier. These books have become classics of children's literature, beloved by generations for their authentic portrayal of pioneer life.
In addition to her literary success, Laura was a respected journalist. She wrote for the Missouri Ruralist, where she shared her insights on rural life, homemaking, and the changing world around her. Her ability to capture the essence of everyday life with warmth and clarity endeared her to readers and established her as a prominent voice in American literature.
Notable Works or Actions
The "Little House" series, which includes titles such as "Little House in the Big Woods," "Little House on the Prairie," and "On the Banks of Plum Creek," is undoubtedly Laura Ingalls Wilder's most notable work. These books offer a detailed and engaging account of her family's adventures and challenges as they settled in various parts of the American Midwest.
Beyond her books, Laura's contributions to journalism and her role as a public speaker further solidified her reputation. Her writings provided a window into the lives of rural Americans during a time of significant change and development in the United States.
Impact and Legacy
Laura Ingalls Wilder's impact on American culture and literature is profound. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be read by children and adults worldwide. The "Little House" series has inspired television adaptations, films, and even a musical, ensuring that her stories remain a vibrant part of popular culture.
Her legacy extends beyond her literary achievements. Laura's work has sparked interest in the history of the American frontier, encouraging readers to explore the realities of pioneer life. Her ability to convey the resilience, resourcefulness, and spirit of her family and others like them has left an indelible mark on the American imagination.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Laura Ingalls Wilder is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to capture the essence of a bygone era with authenticity and warmth. Her writings resonate with themes of family, perseverance, and the beauty of the natural world, making her quotes timeless and universally appealing.
Her reflections on life, nature, and human relationships offer wisdom and insight that continue to inspire readers. Laura's unique perspective as a pioneer woman provides a valuable lens through which to view the past, and her words serve as a reminder of the enduring human spirit.
In summary, Laura Ingalls Wilder's contributions to literature and her portrayal of the American frontier have cemented her place as a beloved and influential figure. Her stories and quotes continue to captivate and inspire, ensuring that her legacy endures for future generations.
Quotes by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder's insights on:
When gloomy clouds across the sky / Cast shadows o'er the land, / Bright rays of hope illumine my path, / For Jesus holds my hand.
As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful.
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time.
Mr. Wilder says he would rather have me help than any man he ever sawed with. And, believe me, I learned how to take care of hens and to make them lay.
I always have been a busy person, doing my own housework, helping the Man of the Place when help could not be obtained; but I love to work. And it is a pleasure to write. And, oh, I do just love to play!
In the bitter cold weather Pa could not be sure of finding any wild game to shoot for meat. The.
We crossed the James River and in 20 minutes we reached the top of the bluffs on the other side. We all stopped and looked back at the scene and I wished for an artist’s hand or a poet’s brain or for even to be able to tell in good plain prose how beautiful it was. If I had been the Indians I wold have scalped more white folks before I ever would have left it.
The wings and the golden weather and the tang of frost in the mornings made Laura want to go somewhere. She did not know where. She wanted only to go.
Oh, Charles!” Ma said. “What will we do?” Pa slumped down on a bench and said, “I don’t know.