Podcast
Questions and Answers
How did Bill's parents feel about his hunting?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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Where had the hounds treed their first coon?
Where had the hounds treed their first coon?
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Describe Billy's thoughts and feelings when he saw where the hounds had treed their first coon.
Describe Billy's thoughts and feelings when he saw where the hounds had treed their first coon.
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How did the members of Billy's family feel about his decision?
How did the members of Billy's family feel about his decision?
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How did Billy's grandfather keep the coon in the tree while Billy went home to rest?
How did Billy's grandfather keep the coon in the tree while Billy went home to rest?
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What interesting news about coonskins did Billy's grandfather share with him?
What interesting news about coonskins did Billy's grandfather share with him?
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What was the outcome of Billy's efforts?
What was the outcome of Billy's efforts?
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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.
Studying That Suits You
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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.
