The Departure from the Prairie

Little House on the Prairie

This flow follows the final movement of the Ingalls family away from the little house, from the green spring and Pa's anger to the empty horizon.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Spring Planting on the Claim Spring Planting on the Claim from "Little House on the Prairie". Spring Planting on the Claim Scene The whole prairie turns green, and Pa hurries into the field with Pet and Patty pulling the plough.

Spring Planting on the Claim from "Little House on the Prairie". Spring Planting on the Claim Scene The whole prairie turns green, and Pa hurries into the field with Pet and Patty pulling the plough.

Spring Planting on the Claim Scene The whole prairie turns green, and Pa hurries into the field with Pet and Patty pulling the plough. Mary and Laura help Ma plant vegetable seeds in the rich ground. Meaning This moment represents the fulfillment of the family's farming dream, a promise of abundance and permanence. The land seems ready to reward them. Aftermath The promise is soon broken by the news from Mr Scott that the government wants the settlers out.

Pa's Blazing Anger at the Order

Pa's Blazing Anger at the Order Scene Mr Scott and Mr Edwards come into the field, and Pa's voice turns loud and angry. He refuses to stay until soldiers drag him away, declaring that they will leave now. Meaning The argument reveals Pa's pride and his deep sense of justice. He chooses dignity over the legal struggle to keep the land. Aftermath Pa gives the cow and calf to Mr Scott, shakes hands with Mr Edwards, and begins covering the wagon with canvas.

Goodbye to Mr Edwards Goodbye to Mr Edwards from "Little House on the Prairie". Goodbye to Mr Edwards Scene Mr Edwards says farewell to Pa and Ma, then to the girls.

Goodbye to Mr Edwards from "Little House on the Prairie". Goodbye to Mr Edwards Scene Mr Edwards says farewell to Pa and Ma, then to the girls.

Goodbye to Mr Edwards Scene Mr Edwards says farewell to Pa and Ma, then to the girls. Laura forgets her manners and thanks him again for finding Santa Claus in Independence, and his eyes shine bright. Meaning The goodbye closes one of the family's few friendships in Indian Territory. Laura's outburst shows how much the neighbor has come to mean to her. Aftermath Mr Edwards walks away into the darkness, and the Ingalls family spends its last quiet night in the little house.

Packing the Wagon Without the Plough

Packing the Wagon Without the Plough Scene Pa and Ma pack clothes, food, dishes, and bedding into the covered wagon. The heavy plough cannot be taken, so it is left behind with the land. Meaning The plough represents all the work of the past year and the farm that might have been. Leaving it forces the family to begin again empty-handed. Aftermath The girls sit on the bed in the back, Carrie between them, as Pa takes the reins and the wagon begins to move.

The Last Look at the Little House

The Last Look at the Little House Scene Pa opens the back of the wagon cover so the girls can see the little log house one last time. The house stands alone on the prairie while Pet and Patty walk away. Meaning The image of the small abandoned house carries the story's central loss. Home is not a permanent place but a moment that passes. Aftermath Laura feels excited inside, remembering that a covered wagon means anything can happen next, and the family heads deeper into the western horizon.

the last spring, after the Indian tribes have gone

the day Mr Scott brings the news of the soldiers

the evening before departure

very early on departure morning

as the wagon rolls away from the homestead