Skylark

Skylark portrays how human lives are deeply intertwined with the land, reinforcing nature’s ability to shape their physical survival, emotional resilience, and sense of belonging. As the prairie dries up, so does the Witting family’s sense of stability. The novel does not present nature as idyllic or overly romanticized; instead, it portrays the realistic cycles of the natural world, where both abundant and scarce seasons exist. This portrayal challenges the idea that nature can always be tamed by human will. Instead, MacLachlan underscores nature’s unpredictability and harshness. The barn fire, which is sparked by dry conditions, is a devastating reminder that nature does not always nurture—it can just as easily destroy. The drought’s impact extends beyond the physical stresses of a lack of water. It intensifies the emotional strain on the family, causing them to question whether they can endure life on the prairie. The drought parallels the tensions within the family—the children worry more about the future of their family unit than about being thirsty. Ultimately, the family must work together and remain unified in order to survive against the forces of nature.

While nature can be harsh and unforgiving, it also holds the power to restore. In her journal entries, Anna recalls times when the fields were bountiful with flowers and the ponds full of fresh water. At these times, nature was a source of joy and connection, particularly between her, Caleb, and Sarah. Similarly, in Maine, the rain and seaside vista comfort Sarah and distract the children from their troubles at home on the prairie. After months of hardship, the long-awaited rain on the prairie brings renewal and relief. Papa journey to Maine signals nature’s ability to restore. The rain foreshadows the prairie’s revival—the barren land will bloom again, just as the family, once fractured by uncertainty, can return home. The end of the novel reinforces nature’s cyclical power: Just as drought brings despair, rain brings hope and rebirth. The family’s return home is met with new life—kittens, fresh green shoots, and the promise of a new baby—symbolizing nature’s ability to heal and renew.

Beyond its destructive and restorative forces, the novel explores how nature also fosters resilience. Jacob refuses to give up on the prairie, believing in its ability to recover. The novel does not suggest that nature is permanently fixed or predictable; even when it finally rains, Anna notes they still have a long recovery ahead. Yet, in her journal, she expresses her trust in nature with hopeful optimism, writing: “There will be flowers in the spring, and the rivers will run again” (83). This reflects the novel’s assertion that living with nature requires adaptation and perseverance. The Witting family’s return to the prairie is not framed as a triumphant victory over nature but as an acceptance of its cycles—both its hardships and its abundance. Skylark resists idealized depictions of the American prairie. Instead, the novel portrays nature as both life-giving and threatening, emphasizing that it is a force that shapes human lives.