Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: A Literary Legacy of the American South

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, a renowned American author, has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Yearling," has captivated generations of readers with its poignant portrayal of life in rural Florida. This article will delve into the extraordinary life and career of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, exploring her literary achievements, her deep connection to the natural world, and her enduring legacy as a chronicler of the American South.

Early Life and Influences

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was born in Washington D.C. in 1896. Her father, Arthur Rawlings, was a lawyer and inventor, while her mother, Ida Kinnan Rawlings, was an aspiring writer. From a young age, Marjorie exhibited a keen interest in storytelling. She spent countless hours reading and writing, honing her craft with the support of her encouraging parents.

The Life She Wished to Live: A Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling

by Ann McCutchan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34974 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

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Rawlings' childhood in Washington was marked by a deep appreciation for nature. She loved exploring the nearby woods and fields, observing the intricate lives of plants and animals. These early experiences would later find their way into her writing, infusing her work with a profound sense of place and ecological awareness.

Move to Florida and Literary Breakthrough

In 1928, Rawlings and her husband, Charles Rawlings, moved to a remote orange grove in Cross Creek, Florida. The move proved to be a transformative experience for Rawlings. She fell in love with the untamed beauty of the Florida landscape, its rich flora and fauna, and its colorful local characters.

Cross Creek became the backdrop for many of Rawlings' most famous works. In 1938, she published "The Yearling," a novel that captured the bond between a young boy and a young deer. The story, set in the backwoods of Florida, explored themes of loss, survival, and the complex relationship between humans and the wild.

"The Yearling" was an immediate critical and commercial success. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1939 and was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1946. The novel remains one of the most beloved works of American literature, praised for its lyrical language, vivid characters, and timeless themes.

The Preservation Legacy

Beyond her literary achievements, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was also a tireless advocate for the preservation of the American wilderness. She witnessed firsthand the rapid development and destruction of Florida's natural landscapes and became an outspoken voice for conservation.

In 1937, Rawlings founded the Cross Creek Conservation League, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Cross Creek. Through her writings and activism, she raised awareness about the importance of protecting Florida's unique ecosystems.

In recognition of her conservation efforts, the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park was established in 1974. The park encompasses the former Rawlings homestead and the surrounding natural areas, serving as a testament to her legacy as a steward of the land.

Later Years and Legacy

After the success of "The Yearling," Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings continued to write prolifically. She published several more novels, including "Cross Creek" (1942),a memoir of her early years in Florida, and "The Sojourner" (1953),a novel set in the postbellum South.

Rawlings' writing explores universal themes of love, loss, family, and community. Her characters, often drawn from her own experiences and the people she met in Cross Creek, are vivid and unforgettable. Her ability to capture the essence of the human condition and the beauty of the natural world has made her work an enduring part of American literature.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings died in 1953 at the age of 57. Her legacy as a writer and conservationist continues to inspire readers and environmentalists alike. Her writings have been translated into more than 40 languages and continue to be read and enjoyed by generations of readers around the world.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings stands as one of the most important figures in American literature. Her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Yearling," is a timeless masterpiece that has touched the hearts of countless readers. Through her writing and activism, she not only captured the spirit of the American South but also played a vital role in preserving its unique cultural and natural heritage. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' legacy as a writer and conservationist continues to endure, inspiring new generations to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the power of storytelling.

Additional Resources

* [Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings](https://www.marjoriekinnanrawlings.com/biography) * [The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park](https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/marjorie-kinnan-rawlings-historic-state-park) * [Cross Creek Conservation League](https://www.crosscreekconservation.org/)

The Life She Wished to Live: A Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling

by Ann McCutchan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34974 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

FREE