Where the Red Fern Grows

Wilson Rawls

“Where the Red Fern Grows” is a beloved novel that tells the story of a young boy and his two dogs in the Ozark Mountains. The novel incorporates various literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery to create a poignant and unforgettable tale of love, loss, and perseverance.

Themes 📚

1. The Power of Friendship: The novel explores the powerful bond that can exist between a human and an animal, and how that bond can develop into a deep and meaningful friendship.
2. The Importance of Perseverance: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces a number of obstacles and challenges, but he never gives up. Instead, he perseveres and learns important life lessons along the way.
3. The Fragility of Life: The novel explores the idea that life is precious and fragile, and that it can be taken away in an instant.
4. The Importance of Family: The protagonist’s family plays a key role in the story, highlighting the importance of familial bonds and support.
5. The Power of Nature: The novel is set in the beautiful and rugged Ozark Mountains, and nature is a powerful force throughout the story, shaping the characters and events in unexpected ways.
6. The Value of Hard Work: The protagonist’s determination and hard work are a major theme of the novel, emphasizing the idea that anything can be achieved through dedication and effort.
7. The Importance of Tradition: The novel also explores the role of tradition in shaping our values and beliefs, and how these traditions can be passed down through generations.
8. The Complexity of Grief: The novel deals with the theme of grief and loss in a sensitive and realistic way, portraying the various stages of grief and how different people deal with it in their own way.
9. The Power of Memory: The novel shows how memories can be a source of comfort and healing, as well as a way of keeping loved ones close even after they are gone.
10. The Strength of the Human Spirit: Finally, the novel emphasizes the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss and heartbreak.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: The two dogs in the novel, Old Dan and Little Ann, symbolize loyalty, friendship, and the innocence of youth.
2. Foreshadowing: The author uses foreshadowing throughout the novel to hint at the tragic events that are to come, creating a sense of tension and anticipation for the reader.
3. Imagery: The author’s use of descriptive imagery transports the reader to the rugged and beautiful Ozark Mountains, painting a vivid picture of the setting and characters.
4. Flashback: The protagonist frequently reflects on his childhood memories, which are presented in the form of flashbacks, providing insight into his character and motivations.
5. Metaphor: The author uses metaphors to describe the bond between the protagonist and his dogs, such as “they were one dog as surely as they were two.”
6. Irony: The novel employs situational irony in various instances, such as when the protagonist catches a legendary raccoon but is unable to sell it for a high price due to a market crash.
7. Personification: The dogs in the novel are often given human-like qualities, such as when they are described as having “hearts full of love.”
8. Allusion: The novel contains allusions to biblical stories, such as the story of David and Goliath, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
9. Hyperbole: The author uses hyperbole to emphasize the protagonist’s intense love for his dogs, such as when he says he would “give up everything he owned for just one more day with them.”
10. Simile: The author uses similes to add vividness and detail to the descriptive passages, such as when he describes the forest as being “dark as a thousand midnights.”

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Billy’s encounter with the mountain lion	The early mention of the mountain lion foreshadows its later significance in the climax of the story.
The legend of the red fern	The legend of the red fern is introduced early in the novel and foreshadows its symbolic role at the end.
Billy’s initial struggle to acquire the dogs	Billy’s determination to get the dogs foreshadows his unwavering commitment to them throughout the novel.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The red fern	The red fern symbolizes eternal love, devotion, and the bond between Billy and his dogs.
The hunting dogs	The dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, represent loyalty, friendship, and the importance of perseverance.
The gold cup	The gold cup symbolizes the success and achievements that come from hard work and dedication.

3. Similes

Example	Explanation
“It was so quiet and still, it seemed like the whole world was holding its breath.”	This simile helps the reader imagine the silence and tension in the scene.
“I was as proud as a game rooster.”	This simile illustrates Billy’s pride in his dogs and their accomplishments.
“Her love was like a warm, soft blanket around my heart.”	This simile describes the comforting, protective love of Billy’s mother.

4. Character Development

Example	Explanation
Billy’s growth	Billy’s character develops throughout the novel as he learns about responsibility, perseverance, and the value of hard work.
Old Dan and Little Ann’s personalities	The distinct personalities of the two dogs are developed, showing their unique qualities and the bond they share with Billy.
Billy’s family dynamics	The interactions between Billy and his family members illustrate their love, support, and the sacrifices they make for one another.

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The Ozark Mountains	The vivid descriptions of the Ozark Mountains create a strong sense of place, immersing the reader in the story’s setting.
The hunting scenes	The detailed imagery in the hunting scenes helps the reader visualize the challenges and triumphs Billy and his dogs face.
The red fern’s appearance	The description of the red fern’s appearance at the end of the novel emphasizes its beauty and symbolic significance.

FAQs 💭