Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan is a poignant tale set in the late nineteenth century. It follows the lives of widower Jacob Witting and his two children, Anna and Caleb, who advertise for a mail-order bride. Sarah Wheaton, a courageous and independent woman from Maine, responds to their plea. As Sarah adjusts to life on the prairie, the story delves into themes of family, resilience, and embracing change. The story intends to evoke a profound understanding of the characters’ emotional journeys and the universal human quest for love, belonging, and acceptance. Through the strategic use of these literary techniques, Patricia MacLachlan crafts a story that engages readers on multiple levels and leaves a lasting impact.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall | Summary
In the heart of the late 19th century, a tale unfolds on the expansive canvas of the American prairie. Here, two young souls, Anna and Caleb Whiting, find themselves enmeshed in a life both rustic and profound, alongside their steadfast father, Jacob Whiting, and their canine companions, Nick and Lottie. This family of three navigates the undulating rhythms of existence, with the shadow of their departed mother casting a poignant hue over their days.
The absence of their mother’s soothing presence and the dwindling melodies that once emanated from their father’s lips have become the realities of their days. Anna, the elder sister, has shouldered the responsibilities of the household, while young Caleb trails her with his questions, eager to unearth the mystery of his own entry into the world. But there is a void they can’t ignore, a yearning for maternal warmth that Jacob senses deeply.
In an audacious move to heal this breach, Jacob bravely places an advertisement in the newspaper, seeking not just a bride but a mother for his children. Enter Sarah Wheaton, a woman hailing from the distant shores of Maine. Through the ink and parchment, Sarah’s life unfolds before the eager eyes of the children, revealing her affinity for the sea and the impending wedding of her brother. A yellow bonnet becomes the emblem of hope, a beacon of change heralding Sarah’s arrival. At first, Anna can’t help but see the subtle sadness etched in Sarah’s gaze, perhaps a reflection of the longing for her Maine home.
As seasons unfurl their secrets, the familial fabric weaves tighter. Sarah’s letters home, with sketches that breathe life into the children’s smiles, bridge the gap between her coastal past and this new, untamed chapter. Spring unfurls, and Sarah becomes a harbinger of warmth, teaching the children songs of summer and gathering blooms that mirror the hues of her native sea.
In the presence of neighbors, Matthew and Maggie, the Whitings find kinship. Maggie’s wisdom resonates deeply with Sarah, encouraging her not to mourn the past but to embrace her present. Bolstered by this newfound confidence, Sarah embarks on a new journey – learning to ride a horse and drive a wagon. A tempest tests their resolve, underscoring the unity of man, beast, and earth as they hunker down in the barn. A fear simmers beneath Anna and Caleb’s brave faces that Sarah might leave, like the ebbing tides she treasures. Yet, when Sarah returns from her brief absence, her gifts, like treasures from the ocean’s depths, quell their anxieties. In the realm where the prairie meets the horizon, a pledge is made, uniting Sarah and Jacob in the dance of matrimony.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall | Analysis
The novel’s narrative structure employs the technique of flashback, skillfully transporting readers to a time when Anna and Caleb’s lives were irrevocably changed by their mother’s passing. The opening sets a bittersweet tone as the siblings navigate the complexities of their relationship while coping with the void left by their mother’s untimely death. At its core, the story’s tone is tender and nostalgic, reflecting the family’s longing for healing and connection after the loss of their mother. As Sarah enters their lives, a sense of hope and curiosity emerges, portrayed through a mix of warmth and anticipation. This tone transitions into a more introspective and melancholic mood as Sarah grapples with her attachment to the sea and her struggle to adapt to a new life on the prairie.
Anna’s perspective grants us access to the family’s tender and poignant moments, unraveling the threads of their grief and Anna’s initial struggle to embrace her newborn brother, Caleb. This delicate unraveling of emotions through Anna’s introspective lens adds depth to the characters’ emotional landscapes, establishing a nuanced foundation for the story’s progression. This technique is not just a plot device; it is a psychological tool that allows readers to unravel the emotional complexities of loss and adaptation. It’s a window into Anna’s psyche, bridging the gap between the readers and the Whitings.
The power of dialogue cannot be overstated in this narrative. One pivotal instance is the conversation between Sarah and Maggie on the porch. While Jacob, Caleb, and Matthew toil in the fields, Sarah bares her soul, expressing her yearning for her homeland, her brother, her aunts, and her garden. Sarah’s homesickness resonates deeply, paralleling the broader theme of human restlessness and the universal quest for belonging.
The story’s emotional tapestry is further enriched by the relationship between Sarah and the Whitings. Sarah’s arrival ignites a gradual metamorphosis in the family dynamic. The gradual growth of affection between Sarah and the children is punctuated by shared moments, each suffused with a potent emotional resonance. Sarah’s gifts from the sea, her involvement in the family’s routines, and her unconventional willingness to embrace challenges like learning to ride a horse or mend the roof all underline her indomitable spirit and her embodiment of the qualities necessary for survival on the frontier.
Moreover, Sarah’s character transcends mere literary creation. She epitomizes the spirit of exploration and reinvention that characterized the westward movement in American history. Her willingness to leave behind the familiar, embrace uncertainty, and adapt to a wholly different environment is emblematic of the brave souls who ventured into the unknown territories of the American frontier seeking new horizons. In her, readers find an embodiment of the pioneers’ fortitude and their ability to find fulfillment amid adversities.
The backdrop of loss – Anna and Caleb’s mother, Sarah’s seaside home – amplifies the narrative’s emotional depth. These losses become the crucible in which relationships are forged and characters evolve. Through Sarah’s arrival, fulfillment emerges not only for the Whitings but also for readers who witness the cathartic process of healing.
Beneath the surface, the story carries subtle feminist undertones. Sarah, with her unconventional attributes and desires, challenges the gender norms of her era. Her willingness to engage in traditionally masculine tasks blurs gender boundaries, making her a pioneer not only in the geographical sense but also in terms of breaking societal molds.
The deft narrative hand doesn’t just recount a historical period but delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters, making the story’s resonance timeless. The narrative masterfully navigates the emotional trajectory of the narrative, leading readers from a place of sorrow and yearning to a climax of hope and fulfillment.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall | Themes
Central to the story is the theme of longing – a yearning for something beyond the present. Sarah’s arrival is an embodiment of this theme, as she leaves her coastal home in Maine to seek something more in the vast prairie. Her longing for the sea, her brother, and her garden mirrors the Whitings’ yearning for a mother and wife, as well as their own sense of home. The motif of the yellow bonnet symbolizes the hope that this longing will be fulfilled. Through Sarah’s choice to stay, the narrative paints a poignant picture of how fulfillment can emerge from unexpected sources, quenching the thirst for connection and purpose.
The story encapsulates the pursuit of fulfillment, which is reflected in both Sarah’s personal journey and the broader context of westward migration. Sarah’s willingness to leave her comfort zone and embrace a new life underscores the transformative power of change. Her adaptability and strength symbolize the qualities required to navigate life’s uncertainties.
The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity permeates the narrative. Sarah’s character epitomizes this theme through her willingness to embrace the unknown and adapt to a completely different environment mirrors the pioneers who ventured into uncharted territories. The Whitings’ journey to healing from loss, Anna’s adjustment to a new maternal figure, and Sarah’s acclimation to a foreign landscape all underscore the theme of resilience. The prairie itself becomes a metaphor for resilience, as its harsh conditions demand an ability to withstand challenges and transform them into opportunities.
The narrative underscores the inevitability of change and the transformative power it holds. Sarah’s physical move to the prairie is just a representation of the broader concept of change that shapes the characters’ lives. The journey westward signifies not only geographical transition but also personal growth. Through Sarah’s presence, the Whitings evolve emotionally, forging new connections and discovering capacities within themselves that they hadn’t previously recognized. The theme of transformation is not confined to a single character but ripples across the narrative, mirroring the broader human experience of evolving in response to life’s shifts.
At its heart, the narrative revolves around the idea of family, its formation, its dynamics, and its significance. The absence of a mother figure in Anna and Caleb’s lives creates a void that yearns to be filled. Sarah’s arrival introduces the possibility of a new familial structure, and her bond with the children deepens as the narrative unfolds. The theme of family extends beyond the Whitings to encompass the larger community; the relationships with the neighbors, Maggie and Matthew, reflect the importance of human connections in navigating the challenges of frontier life.
The Whitings’ journey toward creating a new family unit becomes a microcosm of this broader theme, underscoring how identity and belonging are malleable concepts shaped by shared experiences and connections. The themes illuminate the complexities of human emotions, the transformative potential of relationships, and the enduring quest for fulfillment and belonging that transcends time and place.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall | Title
“Plain” and “tall” represent not just physical attributes but facets of one’s identity. Sarah, with her plainness and tallness, embodies the quest for belonging and authenticity. Her journey to the prairie and her relationships with the Whitings signify the evolution of her identity, solidifying her sense of belonging in this new environment.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall | Character Sketch
Sarah is the central character of the story, a strong and independent woman who responds to Jacob Witting’s advertisement for a mail-order bride. Her physical appearance is defined by her plain and tall stature. She brings a breath of fresh air to the Witting family’s life, symbolized by her bright yellow bonnet. Sarah’s character embodies resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change. Her decision to leave her old life by the sea in Maine and embark on a new adventure on the prairie demonstrates her courage. Sarah is compassionate and caring, forming strong bonds with Anna and Caleb. Her open-heartedness is seen in her interactions with the family and her willingness to help with chores around the farm.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall | Literary Devices
The motif of Sarah’s yellow bonnet serves as a recurring symbol throughout the story. The bonnet represents more than just a piece of clothing; it embodies hope, change, and new beginnings. When Anna and Caleb wait for Sarah’s arrival, they anticipate the yellow bonnet amidst the dust, which becomes a beacon of positivity and a transformation in their lives. The bonnet’s color symbolizes brightness, cheeriness, and a new chapter, underscoring the optimism that Sarah brings to the family’s existence.
The three colored pencils that Sarah brings back from town symbolize the different aspects of her past life by the sea. The colors – gray, green, and blue – mirror the sea’s colors at various times. This symbol serves as a reminder of Sarah’s connection to her previous life and her ability to bring elements of her old world to her new home on the prairie.
The squall in the story serves as an allegory for the challenges and unexpected obstacles that life presents. The squall represents the stormy moments that Anna, Caleb, Jacob, and Sarah face together, symbolizing their unity and resilience in the face of difficulties. Through their collective efforts, they weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.
Similes and metaphors are extensively used to create vivid imagery and enhance descriptions in the narrative. Describing the prairie as “a land that rolls a little like the sea” or the sea’s color as “blue and green and gray, depending on the weather” adds depth to the settings and helps readers visualize the scenes. Comparing the sea’s waves to the barking of seals and the stars to fireflies adds layers of sensory experience and emotion to the narrative.
Foreshadowing is evident when Caleb rolls a blue marble while waiting for Sarah’s arrival. The color blue alludes to the sea, foreshadowing Sarah’s connection to the sea and hinting at her eventual decision to stay with the family. The use of “Bride’s Bonnet” flowers, which the family hangs in the house, foreshadows the wedding that concludes the story.
Imagery is a central literary device in the story, particularly in its descriptions of nature and emotions. The descriptions of the prairie, the sea, and the farm use vivid imagery to immerse readers in the settings and evoke sensory experiences. The stormy squall scene, for example, is rich with sensory details, making readers feel the intensity of the moment.
A paradox emerges when Anna reflects on her mother’s funeral and how the house was filled with relatives yet still felt empty without her mother’s presence. This paradox highlights the emotional complexity of grief, as the physical presence of people cannot replace the emotional void left by a loved one’s absence.
Personification is employed when Anna describes the morning of her mother’s death as “cruel and sunny.” By attributing human characteristics to the morning, the author conveys Anna’s emotional response to the loss of her mother, as the juxtaposition of “cruel” and “sunny” reflects her conflicted feelings.
Sarah, Plain, and Tall illustrates the ability to incorporate an introspective narrative voice, and the inclusion of thematic undercurrents of resilience, change, and human connection intertwine to create a poignant exploration of the human spirit’s journey towards fulfillment and belonging, both in the historical context of the American frontier and in the broader spectrum of the human experience.
