The Theme Of Determination In 'Where The Red Fern Grows'

Colin Powell once said, a dream doesn't become reality through magic: it takes sweat, determination, and hard work. In the story Where the Red Fern Grows, Wilson Rawls develops the theme of determination through Billy’s adventures.

In the book Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy has a strong love for puppies and he is determined to get them. For example, Billy said, “ Papa,” I said, “I don't want an old collie dog. I want hounds, coonhounds and I want two of them.” page 8. This really shows that Billy wants those coonhounds and he wants two of them.

In the book Billy is determined to do things for example “No, Papa,” I said. “I don't want any help. I want to cut it down all by myself.” page 80. He didn't want his dad to help him because he wanted to do it all by himself because he promised Little Ann and Old Dan that he would cut the tree down and get the coon.

As the story continues, Rawls further develops the idea of determination through the Pritchard betting scene.

On page 138 Billy says to Rubin, “I told him I hadn’t given up. My dogs were still hunting when they gave up, I would, too.” Billy was determined to find the ghost coon and win the money. He hadn't given up yet. Rubin and Rainie told him that the coon disappeared into the tree but it wasn't there. When the wind came little Ann got its scent and the coon was in a wooden pool right next to them. Billy didn't stop trying to find the coon and it paid off because he found

it.

The dog's hard work at the tournament helped Billy and his family get out of the Ozarks and move into town to get a better education and a better life. For example on page 213, “With a choking sob, I ran for my dogs. On hearing our approach, they sat down and started bawling treed.” Old Dan and Little caught another coon for Billy so he won the gold cup and the three hundred dollars.

Through Billy's determination in the book Where the Red Fern Grows his words and actions got him through the tough life of being poor and living in the Ozarks. He had a strong love for his dogs Old Dan and Little Ann they helped Billy become a better hunter in the mountains but also they learned a lot too.