Old Yeller Characters and Themes

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Questions and Answers

Who is Bell?

Travis' first dog who was bit on the nose by a rattler which had its head chopped off by Travis's dad.

What is an example of a simile in the story?

Slung him toward Mama like he was a half empty sack of corn.

How is the relationship between Travis and Old Yeller similar to the relationship between Travis and Arliss?

Travis thinks that Old Yeller is not worth much and sees him as a nuisance just like Arliss.

How is Old Yeller showing that he is an unusual animal?

He shows no remorse or fear when caught for eating meat and is brave when attacking a bear. Signup and view all the answers

How is shooting the doe a test for Travis?

Travis was able to shoot a moving target like a man and kill it. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jumper?

The family's mule, which tended to jump fences whenever it thought it was the time to quit working for the day. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Little Arliss Coates?

He is the 5-year-old brother of Travis; very ornery and gets in trouble often. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ma (Mrs. Coates) like?

She is very patient with Arliss and Travis. Signup and view all the answers

What does Old Yeller look like?

He is a yellow-furred dog that showed up at their cabin; his bark sounds like a yell. Signup and view all the answers

What does POV stand for?

Point of view. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

It is after 1865, near Salt Lick, Texas, in a log cabin on Birdsong Creek. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Travis Coates?

He is the main character who is 14 years old and takes on responsibilities while his dad is away. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibilities does Travis have while his dad is away?

He must take care of the corn patch, do chores, look after Little Arliss and Ma, milk the cows, chop wood, shoot meat, and repair the fence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship like between Travis and Arliss?

Arliss is bratty and does not listen to Travis. Signup and view all the answers

What tests does Travis face in the first 5 chapters?

Travis deals with whipping bulls with a bullwhip, splitting rails for the fence, facing a bear, and managing Jumper. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Old Yeller run away from the bulls but attack the bear?

Old Yeller senses Little Arliss is in danger during the bear incident, unlike with the bulls. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

Travis Coates: 14-year-old main character; responsible for family tasks while his father is away; desires a horse but is given a dog.
Old Yeller: Yellow-furred dog with a distinctive bark; brave and protective, especially of Little Arliss; shows spunk and intelligence.
Little Arliss Coates: Travis's 5-year-old brother; mischievous and adventurous; often found causing trouble, including getting into the drinking water.
Ma (Mrs. Coates): Patient and understanding mother; defends her children and helps maintain family harmony.
Bell: Travis' first dog; bitten by a rattlesnake, setting off a chain of events that shapes Travis's views on dogs.
Jumper: Family mule known for jumping fences to quit work.

Themes and Relationships

Travis and Old Yeller: Initially sees Old Yeller as a nuisance, similar to how he perceives Arliss; their relationship develops as the story progresses.
Travis and Arliss: Strained relationship; Arliss' bratty behavior frustrates Travis, who is burdened with adult responsibilities.

Plot Points

Setting is post-Civil War, around 1865 near Salt Lick, Texas, in a log cabin by Birdsong Creek.
Travis faces several tests of maturity and bravery, including hunting, taking care of the farm, and protecting his brother.
Old Yeller's bravery is highlighted when he defends Arliss from a bear, demonstrating loyalty and protection despite fleeing from bulls.

Important Events

Shooting a doe serves as a test of Travis's marksmanship and maturity.
Travis takes on various chores and responsibilities, including milking cows, wood chopping, and repairing fences.

Literary Elements

Simile example: "slung him toward Mama like he was a half empty sack of corn," illustrating a vivid comparison.
Narrative perspective is first-person from Travis's point of view, providing insight into his thoughts and feelings.

Additional Notes

Old Yeller's intelligence is shown through his ability to climb a barrel to access food.
The story emphasizes themes of responsibility, family dynamics, and the bond between humans and animals.

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Description

Explore the key characters and themes in the story of 'Old Yeller'. This quiz highlights the relationships between Travis, Old Yeller, and his family members, as well as the growth of these relationships throughout the narrative. Test your understanding of the characters' roles and themes of bravery, responsibility, and familial bonds.