Prairie Fire and the Fight to Save the House

Little House on the Prairie

This conflict flow follows the prairie fire from black clouds to the family's backfire strategy, and closes with the settlers' fear that Indians caused it.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Black Clouds in the South Black Clouds in the South from "Little House on the Prairie". Black Clouds in the South Scene The sunny day darkens as great black clouds roll up from the south.

Black Clouds in the South from "Little House on the Prairie". Black Clouds in the South Scene The sunny day darkens as great black clouds roll up from the south.

Black Clouds in the South Scene The sunny day darkens as great black clouds roll up from the south. Ma says it looks like rain, but the horses come racing from the field with Pa shouting 'Prairie fire!' Meaning The fire is a wall of destruction moving faster than a horse can run. The family has only minutes to act. Aftermath Ma runs to the well, Laura pulls the tub, and Pa begins plowing a trench around the house.

Plowing a Trench Around the House

Plowing a Trench Around the House Scene Pa drives Pet and Patty at full speed, plowing a long furrow around three sides of the house. Frightened rabbits leap past them, and the sky grows black with smoke. Meaning The plough becomes a weapon against the fire, turning the field tool into a tool of defense. The trench creates a line, but it must be held. Aftermath Pa ties the horses to the house, and Ma and Laura soak sacks in the water tub.

The Backfire Trick The Backfire Trick from "Little House on the Prairie". The Backfire Trick Scene Pa sets a small fire in the grass on the far side of the trench, and he and Ma beat it when it tries to cross to their side.

The Backfire Trick from "Little House on the Prairie". The Backfire Trick Scene Pa sets a small fire in the grass on the far side of the trench, and he and Ma beat it when it tries to cross to their side.

The Backfire Trick Scene Pa sets a small fire in the grass on the far side of the trench, and he and Ma beat it when it tries to cross to their side. The little fire burns away the fuel ahead of the big fire. Meaning The backfire uses the prairie's own logic against it. Pa's quick thinking, rather than brute strength, saves the house. Aftermath The big fire roars closer, and the family waits for the two walls of flame to meet.

Fire Roars Past the House Fire Roars Past the House from "Little House on the Prairie". Fire Roars Past the House Scene The big fire suddenly eats the little fire and leaps all around the house.

Fire Roars Past the House from "Little House on the Prairie". Fire Roars Past the House Scene The big fire suddenly eats the little fire and leaps all around the house.

Fire Roars Past the House Scene The big fire suddenly eats the little fire and leaps all around the house. Mary and Laura hold hands against the wall, and Jack howls, but the flames pass without setting the house alight. Meaning The escape is almost miraculous. The family's exhaustion and fear give way to relief as the smoke begins to clear. Aftermath Ma washes her blackened face and tells the girls that Pa's little fire saved them, saying all's well that ends well.

Neighbors Fear the Indians Started It

Neighbors Fear the Indians Started It Scene Mr Scott and Mr Edwards come to the house and wonder aloud if the Indians set the prairie on fire to frighten the settlers. Pa argues that Indians burn the prairie to improve the grass. Meaning The conflict shifts from nature to human suspicion. Fire becomes another reason for settlers to fear the nearby Indian camps. Aftermath The men listen to the drums from the camps and grow uneasy, setting the stage for the war-cry crisis.

a spring afternoon while the plough is in the field

as the fire rolls toward the claim

while Ma beats embers with a wet sack

the moment the two fires meet

that evening at the house