Laura Ingalls Wilder: Wisdom for Today by Kathryn Ross

In last month’s post, I shared about the disturbing trend of imposing modern standards to classic works of literature and the arts, with the recent stripping of Laura Ingalls Wilder from the literary award named for her in the 1950s by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). She’s been accused of racism for scant references in her books to minorities as understood by her as a child. Read more details on this here.

Laura Ingalls Wilder, beloved author of the Little House on the Prairie books, lived through great change in America. In fact, she experienced first-hand the seismic shifts in the nation caused by the Civil War, the end of slavery, the Industrial Revolution, Westward Expansion, the automobile, the airplane, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and even Elvis Presley. When she passed in 1957, just four days after her 90^th birthday, her humble roots and written accounts of childhood and coming of age during the settling of the West, had catapulted her to world-wide fame as an icon of traditional American values and imagery.

But through the misguided, officious, agenda-driven move of the ALSC, the accuracy of Mrs. Wilder and her character has been called into question. This does not bode well for all writers of the past—their written accounts of life, living, and worldview in historical narratives drawn from the experience of their time. The threat that such may be divested of their veracity and precision as historical narratives to placate contemporary political correctness is abominable. This extends to modern authors of historical fiction, too, who may feel they are forced to present an historical time period and the worldviews of historical characters through a manipulated 21^st century PC lens.

Authors and artists must be judged by their whole body of work. It is a shame the ALSC, who should know better, did not afford Mrs. Wilder that courtesy. As Christian writers today, we have stories to tell and a message to convey that may not be popular in a worldly sense. We may find ourselves judged harshly for simply telling the truth.

How would you respond if such a thing happened to you?

In wondering how Laura Ingalls Wilder might respond were she here to defend herself and her writing, she might take her own advice from this gem of a quote:

The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.

Be honest and truthful—Write accurate details when sharing your own story, no matter how messy or unpopular. Historical fiction must ring true to the time and setting, too. Don’t put words, actions, or perspectives within your characters that may be fashionable today but wouldn’t be accurate in the era within which you’re writing.

Make the most of what you have—Mrs. Wilder never envisioned herself as a great writer. She was a farmer’s wife and grew into writing poetry and on farm topics as a hobby for a local periodical. The Little House books started as a memoir she wrote in her 60s in longhand on lined paper. Her daughter Rose, a gifted author and journalist, acted as a gatekeeper into the publishing world and collaborator on the books typing them up and helping in the editing process. Laura made the most of her life’s story, bringing historical recall of details from a time long past to the table, and capitalized on filling a need for entertaining and educational reading material for children in the turbulent days of the mid-20^th century.

Be happy with simple pleasures—Living and working through the day to day chores on her beloved farm with her husband, Almanzo, enjoying friends and family, and supporting the Methodist church life where she worshipped made up the lion share of Mrs. Wilder’s life until she began writing the books. Even then, there was always time to take in the beauties of Creation and maintain the simple life and seasonal routines of a farmer’s wife. Simple pleasures are a tonic to worldly cares.

Have courage when things go wrong—In addition to the high times of joyful living, Laura’s books give detailed accounts of perilous days when food was scarce, travel arduous, work hard to find, loved ones lost, great danger, and perceived injustices. Even so, the character of the American pioneer instilled itself deep within her makeup from childhood. Resilience, courage, and perseverance led the way. When Laura’s first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932 during the Depression, it encouraged Americans through a season of hardship and sacrifice. So, too, as she continued to write her story through the World War II years in the 1940s, her books reminded America of their liberties and pride in their country and a history worthy to defend and protect in dangerous times.

 Journal Prompt: Are you bold enough to write from a foundation of accurate truth in its historical setting even though it may be perceived as unacceptable for one reason or another in the current time? How can you steel yourself to be a bold, fearless writer of truth, making the most of what you have with a happy heart undergirded with courage?

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Writer-speaker, Kathryn Ross, ignites a love of literature and learning through Pageant Wagon Publishing. She writes and publishes homeschool enrichment and Christian living books for home, church, and school. In addition, she shepherds writers through the steps book development and production. Her passion to equip women and families in developing a Family Literacy Lifestyle, produces readers and thinkers who can engage the world from a biblical worldview. She blogs and podcasts at TheWritersReverie.com and PageantWagonPublishing.com. Connect with Miss Kathy on Facebook.