52 pages • 1 hour read
Laura Ingalls WilderOn the Banks of Plum Creek
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1937A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Symbols & Motifs
Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers serve as a recurring motif throughout the narrative. The presence of grasshoppers, their impact on the characters’ lives, and the symbolism associated with them contribute to the overall themes of hardship, resilience, and the transient nature of prosperity.
One of the primary functions of grasshoppers as a motif is to represent the challenges and adversities that the Ingalls family faces. At the beginning of the book, when the Ingalls family settles on the banks of Plum Creek, the abundance of wheat promises a prosperous future. However, this optimism is quickly shattered when a massive swarm of grasshoppers descends upon the area, devouring the crops and leaving the family in dire straits. The grasshoppers symbolize the unpredictability and fragility of human existence, highlighting how even the most promising circumstances can be disrupted by external forces beyond our control. The repeated appearance of grasshoppers throughout the story serves as a reminder that life is filled with obstacles and setbacks that require resilience and adaptability to overcome.
Furthermore, the grasshoppers symbolize the ephemeral nature of prosperity. As the Ingalls family recovers from the initial devastation and begins to prepare their fields to plant again, they realize the grasshoppers have laid eggs and there will be another year of devastation. The cyclical nature of the grasshoppers’ presence underscores the transience of success and prosperity. It emphasizes the need to appreciate and make the most of favorable circumstances when they arise because they may be fleeting. The grasshoppers serve as a cautionary reminder that nothing in life is guaranteed, and one must be prepared for the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Additionally, the grasshoppers in the story symbolize the perseverance and resilience of the Ingalls family. Despite the repeated setbacks caused by the grasshopper infestations, the family does not lose hope. They gather their strength, work diligently, and find alternative ways to sustain themselves, such as planting winter-hardy turnips and sending Pa east to find work. The Ingalls family’s ability to adapt to the circumstances and find creative solutions demonstrates their resilience in the face of adversity. The grasshoppers, therefore, become a symbol of the challenges that test the characters’ resolve and their determination to overcome obstacles.
Plum Creek
Plum Creek represents the Ingalls family’s sense of belonging and stability. It is where they build their house, establish their farm, and create a life for themselves. The creek becomes a central feature of their daily lives, providing water for their needs and entertainment for the girls. The repeated references to Plum Creek reinforce the idea of a rooted and cherished home for the Ingalls after their difficult travels.
Plum Creek symbolizes the abundance and beauty of the natural world. It is a source of food, sustenance, and resources for the family. The creek is teeming with fish, surrounded by wild plum trees, and the fertile soil surrounding it allows for farming. The descriptions of the lush landscape and the family’s reliance on the creek emphasize the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Plum Creek also serves as a backdrop for the family’s struggles and hardships. The creek’s unpredictable nature, such as flooding during the spring freshet and drying up during the summer droughts, tests the Ingalls’ resilience and adaptability. Throughout these challenges, Plum Creek embodies the importance of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the indomitable spirit of the Ingalls family.
As the story progresses, Plum Creek becomes a metaphor for growth and transformation. The creek’s changing seasons and the evolving landscape reflect the personal growth of the characters, especially Laura. Just as the creek goes through different phases, the Ingalls family navigates through various life experiences, maturing and learning valuable lessons along the way.
Fiddle Music
In On the Banks of Plum Creek, fiddle music serves as a recurring motif that symbolizes joy, togetherness, and celebration despite adversity. The presence of fiddle music throughout the narrative adds depth to the character of Pa and restores playfulness to the Ingalls’ lives despite their hardships. Fiddle music symbolizes the ability to find joy and create cherished memories, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Moreover, fiddle music in the narrative represents the preservation of cultural heritage and tradition. The fiddle is often associated with folk music, particularly in the rural areas where the Ingalls family resides. While Pa sometimes plays hymns, he also plays traditional folk music that he has learned from former communities. The music played on the fiddle carries the essence of the settlers’ traditions, reflecting their shared experiences and histories. Through the presence of fiddle music, Wilder highlights the importance of holding onto one’s cultural roots and passing them down to future generations.
Furthermore, the motif of fiddle music reflects the characters’ resilience and their ability to find solace and inspiration through music. In moments of hardship or isolation, the fiddle music serves as a source of comfort and inspiration for the Ingalls family. It lifts their spirits and provides an outlet for creative expression. The characters find solace in the melodies and rhythms, allowing them to momentarily escape their harsh reality and find renewal and hope. The fiddle music becomes a symbol of their inner strength and their ability to find beauty and meaning in even the most challenging circumstances.
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