The Yearling

By Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

“The Yearling” is a classic coming-of-age novel set in rural Florida during the late 19th century. Author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to paint a picture of the natural world, while also incorporating themes of loss, sacrifice, and the circle of life. The novel is full of literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and allegory, making it a timeless masterpiece that still resonates with readers today.

Themes 📚

1. Nature and the Circle of Life: Rawlings vividly portrays the beauty and harshness of the natural world, and how it can both give and take away. The cycle of birth and death is a constant theme throughout the novel, with the main character Jody learning to accept the realities of life and death in the wild.
2. Coming of Age: Jody is the protagonist of the novel, and the story follows his journey from childhood innocence to adult responsibility. He learns important life lessons about sacrifice, love, and loss as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a rural community.
3. Family and Community: The novel explores the bonds of family and the importance of community support in times of need. Jody’s relationship with his parents, especially his father Penny, is a central focus of the story, as is his interactions with his neighbors and friends.
4. Conflict between Civilization and Nature: Rawlings portrays a conflict between the civilized world and the natural world, with the former often seen as destructive and the latter as life-giving. This tension is exemplified through the character of Buck Forrester, a hunter who embodies the destructive forces of modernization and progress.
5. Loss and Grief: The novel deals with the theme of loss and the grief that comes with it. Jody experiences multiple losses throughout the story, including the death of his pet fawn, and must learn to cope with his emotions and move forward.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: Rawlings uses symbolism throughout the novel to represent various themes and ideas. For example, the yearling itself is a symbol of Jody’s innocence and connection to nature, while the Forrester family represents the destructive forces of civilization.
2. Imagery: The author uses rich and descriptive language to create vivid mental images of the natural world, immersing the reader in the setting of the story. For example, when describing a storm, Rawlings writes, “The sky was black and the clouds were all snarled together like great locks of gray hair.”
3. Foreshadowing: The author drops hints and clues throughout the novel about what may happen later, creating a sense of anticipation and tension. For example, early in the novel, Penny warns Jody about the dangers of hunting, which foreshadows the tragic events that occur later.
4. Personification: Rawlings personifies animals and natural elements throughout the novel, giving them human-like qualities and characteristics. For example, the yearling is described as having “gentle eyes” and “sorrowful bleats,” while the wind is described as “whistling a tune” through the trees.
5. Allusion: The author references other literary works and cultural references throughout the novel, adding depth and meaning to the story. For example, Jody’s mother Ora references the biblical story of Cain and Abel when talking to her son about the dangers of jealousy and anger.
6. Metaphor: Rawlings uses metaphors to create comparisons between two unlike things, often highlighting the similarities between them. For example, she writes, “The sun was sinking like a great red ball of fire” to describe the sunset.
7. Irony: The author uses irony to create humor or contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. For example, after Jody saves Fodder Wing from a snake, he is chastised by his father for putting himself in danger, even though he acted bravely.
8. Repetition: The author repeats certain words, phrases, or images throughout the novel to create emphasis and reinforce important themes. For example, the phrase “the heat of the day” is repeated multiple times to emphasize the oppressive and unrelenting nature of the Florida climate.
9. Allegory: The novel can be read as an allegory, with various characters and events representing broader social or cultural issues. For example, the conflict between the Forresters and the Baxters can be seen as a metaphor for the conflict between the old ways of rural life and the encroaching forces of modernization.
10. Flashback: The author uses flashbacks to provide background information about characters and events, helping the reader understand the context of the story. For example, the novel opens with a flashback to Penny’s childhood, which sets the stage for his character and his relationship with his son Jody.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Imagery

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Imagery	“The small fawn’s coat was glossy and sleek as satin, its delicate legs like burnished bronze.”	Rawlings uses vivid imagery to bring the fawn to life, describing its coat and legs in detail.
Imagery	“His eyes were like twin lakes, so clear that one could see to the sandy bottom.”	Rawlings uses simile and imagery to create a striking image of the fawn’s eyes.
Imagery	“They crept silently through the underbrush, where the light was green as emeralds.”	Rawlings uses imagery to create a sense of the lush, verdant forest where the characters are hunting.

2. Symbolism

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Symbolism	The Yearling	The yearling symbolizes Jody’s innocence and his attachment to nature.
Symbolism	The Bear	The bear symbolizes the wild, dangerous nature of the forest and the need for humans to respect it.
Symbolism	The Fence	The fence symbolizes the boundary between civilization and nature, and the tension between the two.

3. Foreshadowing

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Foreshadowing	“And then the summer would end, and they would have to think of meat and hides for the winter.”	This line foreshadows the conflict that will arise when Jody must choose between his attachment to the yearling and his family’s practical needs.
Foreshadowing	“She lay down on the grass and closed her eyes, and there was about her the finality that is only found in the grave.”	This line foreshadows the death of Jody’s mother, which will have a profound impact on his life.
Foreshadowing	“He’s a good boy,” said Penny, “but he’s got a heap to learn about a heap of things.”	This line foreshadows Jody’s coming-of-age and the lessons he will learn about life and the natural world.

4. Flashback

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Flashback	Jody’s memories of Flag	Throughout the novel, Jody has flashbacks to his childhood dog, Flag, who was killed by a panther. These memories serve as a reminder of Jody’s attachment to animals and the harsh realities of life in the wild.
Flashback	Penny’s memories of the Civil War	Penny often reminisces about his experiences during the Civil War, which serve as a reminder of the violence and destruction that can result from human conflict.
Flashback	Ma Baxter’s memories of her childhood	Ma Baxter occasionally shares stories from her childhood, which provide insight into her character and her experiences growing up in rural Florida.

FAQs 💭