Where the Red Fern Grows: Chapters 1-11

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Questions and Answers

What happens in Chapter 1?

A man stops a dog fight, takes the dog home, and nurses him back to health. The dog leaves. The 50+ year old man begins to remember his childhood.

What are the 3 important symbols in Chapter 1? What do they symbolize?

Redbone Hound - Trust and loyalty (correct)

Large gold cup - 'Old Dan' (correct)

Petite silver cup - 'Little Ann' (correct)

Coon fur - Survival skills

What is the legend of the Red Fern?

The red fern symbolizes a memorial to the spirits of those that had died. According to an old Indian legend, an angel has to plant the seed of the red fern, making wherever it grows sacred ground.

List the main characters in 'Where the Red Fern Grows.'

Billy, Mama, Papa, Grandpa Signup and view all the answers

What causes Billy to become sick?

Billy becomes sick with 'puppy love' as he desperately wants a pair of Redbone Hounds. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the setting(s) in 'Where the Red Fern Grows.'

Snake River Valley in Idaho, a beautiful valley set at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, a log cabin, during the Great Depression, Grandpa's country store. Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of Billy's 2 Redbone Hounds?

Old Dan, Little Ann Signup and view all the answers

How does Billy buy his 2 Redbone Hounds?

Billy works for two years in his Grandpa's store and saves $50. Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take Billy to earn the $50 to buy the 2 Redbone Hounds?

2 years, he is 12 years old. Signup and view all the answers

How many siblings does Billy have?

Billy has 3 younger sisters. Signup and view all the answers

What is Billy's family situation like?

Billy's family was very poor living during the Great Depression with challenges in farming. Signup and view all the answers

How does Billy find out about how he can get his dogs?

An advertisement in a magazine. Signup and view all the answers

What does Billy use to save his money in?

An old K.C. Baking Powder can. Signup and view all the answers

Chapter 8 starts on the first night of what?

Coon hunting. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Billy's first coon hunting experience.

Exciting, fun, successful, timing frustrating. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it so important for Billy to chop down the big tree?

To keep his promise to his dogs: you get the coon up the tree, I'll get him down out of the tree. Signup and view all the answers

What does Billy do when he thinks he's not going to be able to chop the tree down? How does he finally get it to fall?

Billy prays to God for help. A wind suddenly sweeps through and knocks the tree down. Signup and view all the answers

Who helps Billy on his mission to get his dogs?

Grandpa. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Billy have to go to get his dogs?

Tahlequah, Kentucky. Signup and view all the answers

When he reaches his destination, Billy encounters many new things. What are some of them?

Sophisticated town, school, people, soda pop, playground with a slide. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Billy's appearance when he goes to Tahlequah, Kentucky to get his dogs.

An unkempt, barefoot country boy. Signup and view all the answers

What danger does Billy encounter on his return home from Kentucky?

Mountain Lion. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Billy's parents' reaction to his new friends (Old Dan and Little Ann).

They were not surprised and glad he was safely home. Signup and view all the answers

What do Billy's parents dream of?

Move to town someday, education, meeting new people. Signup and view all the answers

What is Billy doing with his coon hides?

Mama makes Billy a coon cap out of one of the hides, the others he sells and gives the money to his father. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think his dad is saving the money for?

He is saving the money to buy a house in town so the children can get a good education. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Little Ann after the harsh winter storm? What does Billy learn about his dogs through this event?

Little Ann falls into a part of the unfrozen river. The dogs are a 'team.' Signup and view all the answers

Name some personality traits of Billy.

Loves hunting Signup and view all the answers

What is Billy's main personality trait? How is this revealed?

Determination, revealed through his persistence and willingness to do hard things. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of 'Where the Red Fern Grows'?

Wilson Rawls. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview

Story starts with a man reminiscing about his childhood after stopping a dog fight.
Setting is during the Great Depression in Idaho and Oklahoma, featuring a log cabin and a valley.

Key Symbols

Redbone Hound: Represents trust and loyalty.
Gold Cup: Won in a coon hunting contest, symbolizes Old Dan.
Silver Cup: Won at a coon beauty contest, symbolizes Little Ann.

Legend of the Red Fern

Represents a memorial for the dead.
According to legend, an angel plants the red fern, marking sacred ground.

Main Characters

Billy Coleman: 10-year-old boy passionate about hunting.
Mama: Billy's supportive mother.
Papa: Struggling farmer, contemplating leaving farming for redwood logging.
Grandpa: Provides encouragement and support for Billy.

Billy's Struggles

Suffers from "puppy love," driven by a desire for Redbone Hounds, leading to hunger and sleep deprivation.
Family faces financial hardships; parents dream of education and moving to town.

Acquisition of the Hounds

After two years of hard work including picking huckleberries and selling bait, Billy saves $50.
Finds out about the dogs through a magazine advertisement.

Coon Hunting Adventures

First hunting experience described as exciting yet frustrating.
Importance placed on keeping promises to his dogs, notably chopping down a big tree.

Challenges and Triumphs

Billy prays for strength when struggling to chop down a tree to retrieve a coon.
Encounters a mountain lion during his return from acquiring his dogs.

Billy’s Connection to His Dogs

Little Ann learns to work alongside Old Dan; together they function as a team.
Through experiences, Billy learns valuable lessons about teamwork and loyalty.

Billy's Traits

Noted for determination; he persists through challenges to achieve visions for his future.
Personality characterized by hard work, resilience, and the desire for betterment.

Family Dynamics

Billy’s parents exhibit understanding and support for his endeavors.
They are proud of his achievements, which involve crafting items from coon hides to contribute financially.

Author

Written by Wilson Rawls, the story reflects themes of determination, loyalty, and the bond between a boy and his dogs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the first eleven chapters of 'Where the Red Fern Grows'. This quiz focuses on key events, themes, and symbols introduced in the story. Perfect for reinforcing understanding and preparing for discussions!