Questions and Answers
Why did the man observing the dog fight become involved in the situation?
The man felt bad for the dog and it brought back memories of his dog when he was a child.
What does the word 'read' mean in this context?
It means saw.
How did the man feel when he saw the condition of the hound?
He felt very sad and sympathetic for the dog.
Why was the man overcome by a strange feeling when the hound left his home in the darkness?
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What was Billy's terrible 'disease' when he was ten years old?
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Why didn't Billy want Old Man Hatfield's collie?
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Why couldn't Billy have the dogs he wanted?
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How did the discovery of the magazine change Billy's life?
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How did Billy earn money?
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How did Grandpa react when Billy gave him the money?
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How does Billy say that God helped him?
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Why did Billy decide to go for the dogs himself?
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What was Billy's first impression of Tahlequah?
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Why do you think the boys in town provoked Billy into a fight?
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How did Billy show his resourcefulness and courage when the mountain lion prowled outside the cave?
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How did Billy choose the names for his dogs?
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Why did Billy's parents want to move to town?
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Why didn't Billy believe his grandfather's trap would work?
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Why did it take a while for Grandpa's trap to work?
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How did Billy frighten his mother?
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How did Billy feel about using traps to catch raccoons?
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What did Billy do in order to learn more about coon hunting?
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How did the dogs answer Billy's questions?
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What did Billy's mother mean when she said, 'I can't say no and I can't help worrying'?
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What tricks did the raccoon use to lose the dogs?
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What 'message' did Billy read in Old Dan's eyes?
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Why did Billy turn down his father's offer to help cut down the tree?
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What idea did Billy's grandfather have for getting the raccoon?
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How did the tree finally topple?
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Study Notes
Dog Fight and Memories
- A man intervenes in a dog fight due to empathy, recalling his childhood dog.
- Observing a hound's paw, he "reads" its history, recognizing its struggles and journey.
Billy's Yearning for Dogs
- As a child, Billy suffers from "puppy love," yearning for his own hounds.
- He dismisses Old Man Hatfield's collie, desiring specifically two coon hounds instead.
- Financial constraints prevent Billy from acquiring the dogs he longs for.
The Turning Point
- Finding a magazine ad for coon hounds priced at $25 each becomes life-changing for Billy.
- He earns money over two years through various means, including berry picking and selling hides.
- Grandpa is initially shocked but ultimately proud of Billy’s dedication when he gives him the earned money.
Determination and Courage
- Billy attributes his perseverance to divine support, believing God provided him with courage and motivation.
- He decides to travel alone to get the dogs, reflecting his strong desire and independence.
First Impressions and Challenges
- Upon arriving in Tahlequah, Billy feels intimidated by the unfamiliar size and crowds of the town.
- Local boys provoke him, seeing him as different, which leads to an altercation.
Resourcefulness in Adversity
- Confronted by a mountain lion, Billy protects himself by using fire and shouting, showcasing both courage and ingenuity.
- He names his dogs after inscriptions he sees on a tree, utilizing his surroundings for inspiration.
Family Dynamics and Education
- Billy's parents contemplate moving to town for better educational opportunities for their children.
- Skepticism arises regarding Grandpa's raccoon trap, as Billy doubts its effectiveness against the clever animal.
Learning and Hunting Techniques
- To become a better coon hunter, Billy listens to experienced hunters at his grandfather's shop.
- He observes the dogs closely, interpreting their body language as communication.
Tensions and Motherly Worries
- Billy’s mother expresses conflicting feelings about his hunting endeavors, torn between pride and concern for his safety.
- A raccoon employs clever tactics, evading capture by crossing a river and climbing a tree.
Promises and Resolve
- In Old Dan's eyes, Billy sees a commitment that drives him to honor his promise to his dogs rather than surrender.
- He refuses his father's offer for assistance, believing this demonstrates his commitment to the agreement made with his dogs.
Strategy and Optimism
- Grandpa proposes using a scarecrow to outsmart the raccoon, which lifts Billy's spirits as he begins to believe it might succeed.
- A windstorm ultimately topples the tree Billy has been trying to cut down, leading him to interpret it as an answer to his prayers.
Faith and Results
- Billy’s belief in divine help underscores his character as he attributes his success not only to hard work but also to faith.
- The falling tree symbolizes both his efforts and a sense of providence in achieving his goals.
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Description
Test your comprehension of the first nine chapters of 'Where the Red Fern Grows' with these flashcards. Each question explores key themes and character motivations. Perfect for reinforcing understanding of the text.