The Yearling expresses a character transformation through which Jody Baxter is challenged to accept life’s losses with maturity. Jody struggles to obey his parents when his pet fawn, Flag, becomes a danger to the Baxter’s food source. With Flag destroying the crops, Jody finds it hard to realize surviving is more important than keeping a pet. Jody must overcome a great challenge through which he realizes the priorities in life and that one must handle these hardships with maturity. Jody enjoys spending time caring for animals and expresses a loving heart. Jody spends afternoons playing with little animals, caring for those who are injured or are in need of help. For example, after rescuing Flag from a rattlesnake, Jody takes time to gently
