Little house in the big Woods, by Laura Ingalls wilder - Book Report/Review Example

The Ingalls Family: A Happy Christian Life Little House in the Big Woods is the story of a family who led a happyChristian way of life. They followed a simple, Scripture-based lifestyle in which Laura’s parents set a strong moral example for their children. Hard work and discipline were core values that the entire family practiced and reinforced in their relationships with each other. When Laura and her sister misbehaved, Pa Ingalls responded with stern but loving punishment that passed on valuable lessons the children would carry with them throughout their lives.

When Laura slapped Mary for making fun of her hair, Pa asserted his authority as head of the family. When Laura protested, he reminded her that it made no difference. “It is what I say that you must mind,” explaining why she is to be punished (Wilder, 153). The Christian life can be shown by what the members of the family did and the way Laura’s father acted as head of the household. This family showed their Christian way of life by what they did. Each member of the family worked together to ensure that everyone was safe, happy and healthy and that they upheld the Christian values that Pa and Ma Ingalls imparted.

They were faithful members of their church, spending two hours in worship each Sunday. After church, they observed the Sabbath and their father read from the Bible. Their mother also read Bible stories to them. The Ingalls family also exhibited Christian values in the way they worked together in carrying out household Name 2 duties. For example, Laura gathered woodchips and helped her parents when it came time to butcher animals. Laura also helped the family prepare for the needs that came with preparing for each season.

It was because of the way Laura’s father acted as head of the family that the Ingalls were a happy Christian family. He was a disciplinarian when needed, but he also showed his children abundant fatherly love and guidance. He was fond of telling stories, playing his fiddle for them and entertaining them with games, such as “mad dog” (Wilder, 30). He praised the children when they were good and helpful, and corrected them when they were bad. Most importantly, he made certain they knew that he was always there to support and help them regardless of what they did.

The Ingalls family led a happy Christian life because of what they said and did, and the way Laura’s father acted as the head of the family. On Sundays, Laura, Mary and Adam had to be quiet and respectful in their play. After church, the family ate and observed the Sabbath together. After supper, they read from the Bible and, after their father recited a final prayer, all said “Amen” and headed off to bed (Wilder, 73). The Ingalls also enjoyed having fun together and Pa delighted in bringing the children treats, such as candy and the pieces of Calico he brought home so that Ma could make dresses for Laura and Mary (Wilder, 90).

Pa was a strong but loving father whose solidly Christian example ensured that the family led a happy Christian life. Name 3 References Wilder, L.I. Little House in the Big Woods. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 1960.