Where the Red Fern Grows: Chapters 12-20

Questions and Answers

Who are the town outcasts or enemies?

The Pritchard Brothers (Rubin and Rainie) and the whole Pritchard Family.

What type of bet do the Pritchard brothers propose? What is Billy's reaction?

The Pritchard brothers bet $2.00 that Billy and his hounds cannot catch/tree the ghost coon. Billy is determined to catch the ghost coon.

What tragic event occurs in Chapter 13?

Rubin Pritchard dies from tripping on an ax that goes into his stomach.

How is Billy affected by Rubin's death?

He feels bad and pays respect by putting old fake flowers on Rubin's grave. Signup and view all the answers

Write a short summary (3-7 sentences) of Chapter 14.

Grampa invites Billy to participate in a coon hunt that will occur in 6 days. The winner receives a gold cup. Billy goes home excited and tells his family. They are thrilled, and he learns that Mama is pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

What difference does Billy notice about his dogs compared to the other dogs at the contest?

The other dogs are spotless, clean, well pampered, receiving special oils and baths every day. Signup and view all the answers

What honor does Little Ann receive?

Little Ann wins the silver cup for 'Best Looking Dog'. Signup and view all the answers

When does the hunt occur?

On the 4th night. Signup and view all the answers

How does the first night of coon hunting go?

Old Dan and Little Ann tree 3 coons and qualify for the finals. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the first hunt of the finals.

Old Dan and Little Ann tree their first coon after fighting with the coon. Signup and view all the answers

What do the dogs do after they catch the first coon that shows the depth of their relationship?

Old Dan and Little Ann lick and clean each other's wounds. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Billy's relationship with his dogs.

Billy is very loyal to his dogs and they are loyal to him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weather like in Chapter 17?

There is a big storm with freezing rain (sleet), snow, which turns into a blizzard. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Grampa?

Grampa slips, falls, sprains his ankle, and becomes unconscious. Signup and view all the answers

How do Old Dan and Little Ann show their loyalty to Billy?

They come between Billy and a mountain lion to protect him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Old Dan sustain his life-ending injuries?

The mountain lion has Old Dan by the neck, and while Billy strikes the lion with an ax, Old Dan’s injuries are substantial. Signup and view all the answers

Where do they find Little Ann and Old Dan the next morning? Describe their condition.

Old Dan is dead and Little Ann is curled up around him. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think it is so important to Billy to do it alone?

Billy wants to bury his best friend alone in a special spot. Signup and view all the answers

What dream comes true at the end of Chapter 19?

The Coleman family has enough money to move to the city for better education. Signup and view all the answers

What does Billy do before the family leaves?

Billy goes up to his dogs' grave site and sees the 'Red Fern' growing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolism of the 'Red Fern'?

The 'Red Fern' symbolizes a sacred place and is believed to only be planted by an angel. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Billy's emotions at the end of the story.

Billy is sad but reflects on the happy memories of living in their country home. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the main characters in 'Where the Red Fern Grows'?

Billy Coleman, Grampa, Papa, Mama, Old Dan, Little Ann, The Pritchard Brothers (Rubin and Rainie). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the plot of 'Where the Red Fern Grows.'

Billy Coleman works for 2 years to earn money for hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. They develop a deep friendship and loyalty, winning a hunting competition, but face tragedy with Old Dan's death and Little Ann's subsequent death. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main theme(s) of 'Where the Red Fern Grows.'

Love & Friendship, Loyalty, Determination, Maturity. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Little Ann at the end of the story?

She refuses to eat or drink after Old Dan dies and is found lying on Old Dan's grave. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Pritchard Brothers

Town outcasts are the Pritchard Brothers: Rubin and Rainie, along with their family.

The Bet and Its Consequences

The Pritchard Brothers challenge Billy with a $2.00 bet to catch the ghost coon.
Billy's determination to win is encouraged by his grandfather, but he ultimately can't bring himself to kill the raccoon after catching it.

Tragic Event

Rubin Pritchard dies after tripping on an axe, leading to a fatal injury.

Billy's Reaction

Billy feels remorseful about Rubin's death, honoring him with flowers on his grave, which helps him find some comfort.

Coon Hunt Invitation

Grampa invites Billy to a coon hunt with a gold cup prize, having already paid the entry fees and encouraging him to invite his father.

Difference in Dogs' Appearance

Billy notices his dogs are unpolished compared to the pampered dogs at the contest, which are well-groomed and treated with special care.

Little Ann's Accomplishment

Little Ann wins the silver cup for "Best Looking Dog" through the efforts of Grampa using a comb and butter to groom her.

Hunt Timing

The coon hunt occurs on the fourth night after the event begins.

Initial Success

Old Dan and Little Ann successfully tree three raccoons, earning their place in the finals.

Finals Performance

During the finals, Old Dan and Little Ann manage to tree their first raccoon after a fierce struggle.

Dogs' Loyalty Demonstration

After catching the coon, the dogs clean each other's wounds, illustrating their strong bond.

Billy's Loyalty to His Dogs

Billy shares a deep loyalty with Old Dan and Little Ann, highlighting their mutual willingness to protect one another.

Severe Weather

A major storm introduces freezing rain and snow, escalating into a blizzard.

Grampa's Accident

Grampa suffers a sprained ankle after slipping and falling, rendering him unconscious.

Dogs' Protective Instinct

Old Dan and Little Ann exhibit their loyalty by placing themselves between Billy and a mountain lion, showcasing their protective nature.

Fatal Injury to Old Dan

During a confrontation with the mountain lion, Old Dan sustains fatal injuries while directly protecting Billy.

Heartbreak at the Grave

Billy finds Old Dan dead and Little Ann curled beside him, reflecting the dogs' profound bond and loyalty.

Significance of Old Dan's Burial

Billy insists on burying Old Dan alone in a spot where wildflowers can bloom, cherishing their shared memories.

Family's Move

The Coleman family is able to relocate to the city due to financial stability, aiming for better educational opportunities for the children.

Final Tribute to the Dogs

Before leaving, Billy visits his dogs' grave and notices a "Red Fern" growing, filled with emotion.

Symbolism of the Red Fern

The "Red Fern" serves as a symbol of a sacred place, representing everlasting love and connection according to an Indian legend.

Billy's Emotional Journey

At the story's conclusion, Billy feels sadness reminiscing about his childhood home but also reflects on the joyful memories created there.

Main Characters

Billy Coleman, Grampa, Papa, Mama, Old Dan, Little Ann, and the Pritchard Brothers are central figures in the narrative.

Plot Overview

Billy Coleman’s journey as a determined boy who earns money to buy his hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, and their experiences foster a lifelong bond, culminating in a poignant tale of loyalty, friendship, and loss.

Themes of the Story

Key themes include love and friendship, loyalty, determination, and the maturation process.

Little Ann's Fate

Following Old Dan's death, Little Ann refuses to eat or drink, ultimately succumbing to grief and found on Old Dan's grave.

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Description

This set of flashcards covers key events and characters from Chapters 12 to 20 of 'Where the Red Fern Grows.' Discover the roles of the Pritchard brothers and the significant bets that shape Billy's journey. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text.