Where The Red Fern Grows Themes

The Themes of Where the Red Fern Grows

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls pulls on heartstrings while giving the thrilling feeling of adventure. Needless to say, it is an amazing book. The plot consists of a boy named Billy who grew up poor and saved for two years to buy a pair of coonhounds. After finally getting his hounds he hunts constantly and his dogs become so skilled and so close to him that they win a hunting contest. After a brutal fight with a mountain lion, both dogs are fatally injured. In the book there are three main themes presented. The idea of determination, and with it you can do anything. Sacrifice is also a large idea that ties into the plot. Finally, the most prominent, love over loyalty will lead to success and a closer bond. These three themes are extremely prominent …show more content…
From the character development and action to the downright happiness and the tear jerking sadness. The overall message sent by Wilson Rawls is that although love comes with sacrifice and hard work, it is all worth it in the end. This is mostly shown through symbolism. The symbolism includes Sammy, the old sycamore tree, and of course, the red fern. Sammy symbolizes the financial state of almost poverty that Billy and his family lives in. Sammy isn’t a pretty cat, isn’t well taken care of, and is even left behind once Billy’s family gets enough money to move away. The sycamore tree represents Billy’s childhood. It is valued and great, and takes a lot of work to cut away,in fact he doesn’t believe he can, but once he does he is happier. Finally the red fern symbolizes the great life that the dogs lead. Full of life, sacred, and much loved. With these three things and many other small symbols the story is better developed. The three themes are each relevant to the plot in their own ways, they all tie together. Without sacrifice and determination love won’t be as strong. All three come together to form an extremely powerful