Where the Red Fern Grows | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Where the Red Fern Grows Suggested Essay Topics

Every journey to maturity creates memories for the growing youngster, and many of those memories will be triggered by tangible items, actually saved or merely recalled. Discuss the tangible items that became the "props" of Billy's journey to adulthood.

Billy's three sisters are never given names or specific ages. All we know is that they are all younger than Billy. What would be the purpose of leaving three characters so vaguely defined, and what would have been the effect on the story if each had been given a name, age, description, and personality?

Consider whether Old Dan and Little Ann are actually Billy's guardian angels, using evidence from the story to support your position. Remember that neither position is "wrong" as long as the story supports your conclusion.

Mentorship by representatives of older generations is a key to the successful development of a culture's youth. Discuss the specific lessons Billy...
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