On the Banks of Plum Creek

“The door stood straight up in the grassy bank, where the path turned. It was like a house door, but whatever was behind it was under the ground.”

In this passage, the door standing straight up in the grassy bank suggests that it is an unexpected and unusual sight. Doors are typically found attached to a house or structure, but in this case, it is positioned within the natural surroundings. The mention of the door resembling a house door further emphasizes the juxtaposition of man-made structures and the natural world. It highlights the presence of human civilization in the midst of untouched nature. This contrast becomes significant as the story unfolds, as it explores the harmonious or conflicting relationship between human presence and the wilderness.

“The flat creek bank was warm, soft mud. Little pale-yellow and pale-blue butterflies hovered there, and alighted and sipped. Bright dragonflies flew on blurry wings. The mud squeezed up between Laura’s toes.”

The presence of dragonflies and butterflies adds a touch of delicacy and beauty to Plum Creek. All of these creatures coexisting at Plum Creek show the harmony and interconnectedness of nature. The final sentence emphasizes Laura’s direct contact with nature, as the mud oozes up and makes contact with her toes. This tactile detail further reinforces Laura’s connection to the natural world, highlighting her direct engagement with the environment.

“Then Laura thought of the tableland. She wanted to climb it again. She wondered if she could climb it all by herself.”

Laura’s natural sense of curiosity and independence constantly prompts her to follow her desires, even if they go against her parents’ wishes. Because she is so young, she does not yet understand the full extent of the dangers that surround her.