Where the Red Fern Grows Chapters 1-9

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?

It brought back memories of when he had a dog similar to this hound. Signup and view all the answers

What was Billy's terrible 'disease' when he was ten years old?

Puppy love. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Billy want Old Man Hatfield's collie?

He wanted two coon hounds. Signup and view all the answers

Why couldn't Billy have the dogs he wanted?

His family couldn't afford it. Signup and view all the answers

How did the discovery of the magazine change Billy's life?

He saw an ad for the coon hounds which were only 25 dollars each. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy earn money?

By picking berries, selling animal hides, vegetables, and animals he caught. Signup and view all the answers

How did Grandpa react when Billy gave him the money?

He was shocked and then proud, and he gave Billy candy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Billy say that God helped him?

By giving him courage, heart, and determination. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Billy decide to go for the dogs himself?

He couldn't wait any longer after working hard for 2 years. Signup and view all the answers

What was Billy's first impression of Tahlequah?

He thought the people and buildings were strange. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think the boys in town provoked Billy into a fight?

They thought he was strange and called him a hillbilly. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy show his resourcefulness and courage when the mountain lion prowled outside the cave?

He made his fire bigger and yelled while throwing rocks at the lion. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy choose the names for his dogs?

By seeing the names Ann and Dan carved in a tree. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Billy's parents want to move to town?

They wanted their children to have a good education and experience living around people. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Billy believe his grandfather's trap would work?

He thought the coon would be smart enough to pull its hand out. Signup and view all the answers

Why did it take a while for Grandpa's trap to work?

It would take about a week for Billy's scent to go away. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy frighten his mother?

By running up to the house and screaming. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy feel about using traps to catch raccoons?

He felt it was unfair and preferred to use dogs. Signup and view all the answers

What did Billy do in order to learn more about coon hunting?

He went to his grandpa's shop and listened to coon hunters. Signup and view all the answers

How did the dogs answer Billy's questions?

By showing it in their eyes, wagging their tails, and making sounds. Signup and view all the answers

What did Billy's mother mean when she said, 'I can't say no and I can't help worrying'?

She couldn't tell him he couldn't hunt because he worked so hard, but she worried for his safety. Signup and view all the answers

What tricks did the raccoon use to lose the dogs?

It ran on the drift, leaped into water, and climbed a tree. Signup and view all the answers

What 'message' did Billy read in Old Dan's eyes?

His promise to take care of the coon if his dogs put it up in a tree. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Billy turn down his father's offer to help cut down the tree?

He wanted to keep his promise to his dogs by doing the work himself. Signup and view all the answers

What idea did Billy's grandfather have for getting the raccoon?

To make a scarecrow to trick the raccoon. Signup and view all the answers

How did the tree finally topple?

In a windstorm. Signup and view all the answers

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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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.