A Compelling Advice for Life: Love of Poetry and Good Digestion

Zona Gale, born in Portage, Wisconsin on August 26, 1874, was a renowned American writer and progressive activist. After receiving a Bachelor of Literature degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1895 and a master's degree four years later, she embarked on a career in journalism, writing for newspapers in Milwaukee and New York.

In 1903, a pivotal visit back to her hometown of Portage inspired Gale to focus her writing on the material she had found there, and she returned in 1904 to concentrate full time on fiction. Her first major work, the novel "Romance Island," was published in 1906, and she went on to author the popular "Friendship Village" series of stories.

Gale's most acclaimed work, the novel "Miss Lulu Bett," was published in 1920 and offered a brilliant depiction of life in the Midwestern United States. Gale adapted the novel into a play, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1921.

Alongside her literary achievements, Gale was an active supporter of progressive causes and a member of the National Women's Party. She lobbied extensively for the 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Law, and her activism was driven by a desire to address "a problem she returned to repeatedly in her novels: women's frustration at their lack of opportunities."

In 1928, at the age of fifty-four, Gale married William L. Breese, also from Portage. Sadly, she passed away in a Chicago hospital on December 27th, 1938, succumbing to pneumonia.

Gale's educational journey began at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, before she went on to earn her degrees at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her early career as a journalist honed her writing skills and exposed her to a broader range of experiences, which she would later draw upon in her fiction.

The pivotal visit to Portage in 1903 marked a turning point in Gale's literary development, as she found the material and inspiration she needed to focus on her own creative vision. This resulted in the publication of "Romance Island" in 1906 and the start of the popular "Friendship Village" series.

Gale's most significant work, "Miss Lulu Bett," not only earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama but also cemented her reputation as a gifted storyteller who could capture the nuances of Midwestern life. The novel's adaptation to the stage further showcased Gale's versatility as a writer.

Beyond her literary accomplishments, Gale's activism on behalf of women's rights demonstrated her commitment to social progress. Her lobbying efforts for the 1921 Wisconsin Equal Rights Law were a testament to her belief in the importance of creating equal opportunities for women.

Tragically, Gale's life was cut short when she passed away at the age of sixty-four, succumbing to pneumonia in a Chicago hospital. However, her legacy as a talented writer and progressive advocate continues to inspire and influence readers and scholars alike.

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