Where the Red Fern Grows Chapters 8-9

Questions and Answers

How did Bill's parents feel about his hunting?

His mother was worried but felt she could not stop him because of all he had done to get the dogs. His father thought it was fine because he was getting to be a man.

How old was Billy when he went coon hunting for the first time?

He was almost fourteen.

What did Billy realize about the way his father was talking to him?

He realized his father was talking to him like he was a man.

What feeling did Billy get on his first night hunting when Old Dan bawled the first time, and what did he do after he heard Little Ann's bawl?

He felt like a knot had been tied in his throat. Then he cried and whooped as the tears ran down his face. Signup and view all the answers

Where had the hounds treed their first coon?

The hounds had treed the coon in the largest sycamore on the bottoms, which Billy had named 'the big tree.' Signup and view all the answers

Describe Billy's thoughts and feelings when he saw where the hounds had treed their first coon.

At first, Billy felt discouraged because the tree was so big. He decided to let the coon go, thinking the dogs appeared to be disappointed, and then vowed to cut the tree down no matter what it took. Signup and view all the answers

How did the members of Billy's family feel about his decision?

His father and grandfather supported him wholeheartedly. At first his mother wanted him to stop, but after seeing Old Dan near the tree all night, she agreed that Billy should get the coon for the dogs. One of his sisters thought he was crazy. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy's grandfather keep the coon in the tree while Billy went home to rest?

He made a scarecrow on the ground where the coon could see it. Signup and view all the answers

What interesting news about coonskins did Billy's grandfather share with him?

He said there was a fad in New England, and coonskin coats were in demand, driving the price of coonskins up, which put Billy in a position to make some money. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Billy's efforts?

Billy chopped until he had blisters on his hands and could not chop anymore. He was giving up when he asked God to help him. Shortly after, he heard the wind pick up in the top of the sycamore, and then the wind blew the tree over. Billy was sure the tree fell because God was answering his prayer. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bill's Hunting Experience

Billy's mother was concerned about his hunting activities, feeling unable to prevent him due to his dedication to obtaining the dogs.
Billy's father supported his hunting, believing it was a rite of passage into manhood.

Billy's Age and Maturity

Billy was nearly fourteen years old when he went coon hunting for the first time.
He noticed his father's tone had changed, indicating respect for his maturity, as he spoke to Billy like a man.

Emotional Response to Hunting

On his first night hunting, Billy felt a deep emotional connection when Old Dan howled; it overwhelmed him, leading him to cry out in joy.

The First Coon Tree

The hounds had treed their first coon in a large sycamore tree, which Billy referred to as "the big tree."
Initial discouragement struck Billy due to the tree's size, leading him to consider letting the coon escape. His dogs' disappointment inspired him to commit to cutting down the tree.

Family Support

Billy's grandfather and father encouraged his commitment to retrieve the coon, while his mother was initially hesitant, later agreeing after witnessing Old Dan's loyalty.
Among Billy's family, one sister questioned his sanity over his determination.

Staying Vigilant

To ensure the coon remained in the tree while Billy rested, his grandfather created a scarecrow to simulate a threat on the ground.

Market Opportunities

Billy's grandfather informed him of the rising demand for coonskin coats in New England, hinting at the potential for monetary gain from their hunt.

Effort and Divine Intervention

Billy faced physical exhaustion, with blisters forming on his hands from chopping. Just as he contemplated giving up, he prayed for strength.
Subsequently, a gust of wind knocked over the sycamore tree, leading Billy to believe the event was a response to his prayer, further reinforcing his faith and determination.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 8-9 of "Where the Red Fern Grows" with these flashcards. Explore character insights and key events that shape Billy's journey as he matures. Perfect for students preparing for discussions or exams on this classic novel.