Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser
- 1. Prairie Fires: The Great Plains Face the Future is a profound and meticulously researched narrative by Caroline Fraser that delves into the intricate history and environmental significance of the Great Plains, a vast region that has shaped the American landscape and identity. In this compelling work, Fraser weaves together personal stories, historical accounts, and ecological insights to illuminate the impact of human activity and natural forces on the prairies. She explores the devastating consequences of colonization, agricultural expansion, and climate change, while also celebrating the resilience of the Indigenous peoples and the natural ecosystems that have thrived in this rugged landscape. The book not only highlights the beauty and starkness of the prairie environment but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation and sustainable practices in the face of an uncertain future. Fraser's eloquent prose and thorough scholarship make this work an essential read for anyone interested in environmental history and the ongoing dialogue regarding land stewardship, climate action, and the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.
Which Pulitzer Prize category did 'Prairie Fires' win in 2018?
A) Biography
B) Fiction
C) History
D) General Nonfiction
- 2. What was Rose Wilder Lane's profession?
A) Politician
B) Schoolteacher
C) Journalist and writer
D) Farmer
- 3. Which Little House book was particularly controversial for its depiction of Native Americans?
A) The Long Winter
B) By the Shores of Silver Lake
C) Little House on the Prairie
D) These Happy Golden Years
- 4. What financial disaster affected the Wilders in their later years?
A) The Panic of 1907
B) World War I
C) The Dust Bowl
D) The Great Depression
- 5. Where did Laura Ingalls Wilder begin writing her famous series?
A) South Dakota
B) Missouri
C) Wisconsin
D) Kansas
- 6. What natural disaster destroyed the Ingalls family's wheat crop in 'The Long Winter'?
A) Tornado
B) Dust storm
C) Grasshopper plague
D) Flood
- 7. How does Fraser characterize the homesteading experience presented in the books versus reality?
A) Romanticized version of harsh reality
B) More negative than reality
C) Accurate in every detail
D) Completely fictional
- 8. What was Laura Ingalls Wilder's age when she published her first book?
A) 65
B) 55
C) 45
D) 75
- 9. How does Fraser interpret the famous 'self-made' pioneer narrative?
A) Accurate representation
B) Understated pioneer success
C) Myth that ignored government assistance
D) Political propaganda
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