Skylark

These chapters bring the story to a pivotal climax, as the drought escalates from an inconvenience to a crisis. The barren landscape and the suffering of both humans and animals underscore the theme of The Power of Nature. The drought mirrors the emotional strain within the family, particularly Sarah’s increasing doubts about her connection to the land. Once a symbol of stability, the farm is vulnerable and threatened by forces beyond human control. The coyote represents the struggle for survival, paralleling the challenges Sarah, Jacob, and their children face. Just as the drought has made survival difficult for humans, it has also affected animals, driving them closer to homes in search of food and water. Sarah’s emotional reaction to Jacob’s intent to shoot the coyote signals her connection to the animal. Like the coyote, Sarah feels lonely and uncertain, in search of sustenance in a harsh, unforgiving landscape.

The burning barn is a dramatic symbol of destruction, danger, and forced change. It is a physical manifestation of the family’s fears as the farm is no longer a haven from the crisis but is actively under threat. The sudden and uncontrollable fire forces the family to act quickly and work together, demonstrating their resilience as well as the precariousness of their situation. The fire is not just a threat to their lives and livelihood but also a reminder that life on the prairie requires constant sacrifice.

While Sarah’s love for Jacob and the children is unwavering, her struggle with the land seems overwhelming to her. The novel’s exploration of The Importance of Family and Home deepens as Sarah begins to feel increasingly disconnected from the prairie. The land’s increasing hostility challenges her ability to endure, though her love for Jacob, Anna, and Caleb remains strong. Moreover, Sarah’s interactions with Tom reveal her desire for a baby. Her longing for a place where she truly belongs is paralleled by her unspoken desire to build a complete family with Jacob. However, the drought makes survival the primary concern, and in such conditions, the possibility of expanding the family feels impossible.

The novel also highlights Hope and Resilience in the Face of Hardship, showing that endurance often come with difficult decisions. When the river dries up, Maggie and Matthew consider leaving. Their departure isn’t an act of surrender but one of necessity, emphasizing that even those who love the land might sometimes abandon it to survive. Maggie is a source of comfort and companionship for Sarah. Both women share the experience of coming to the prairie as second wives for their husbands and instantly becoming mothers to someone else’s children. Her absence isolates Sarah further, reinforcing her sense that the prairie is inhospitable, both physically and emotionally. 

Maggie and Matthew’s decision foreshadows Sarah’s eventual choice to take Anna and Caleb to Maine. Her departure is not a rejection of the prairie but a sacrifice for the children’s safety. The prairie has become a place of danger, as seen with the wildfire. So Sarah’s decision to leave is born out of love, not abandonment. She does not turn away from Jacob and their life together—rather, she parts from him to ensure their children’s survival.