In this book Billy learns the truth about life; that when having an important responsibility you gain a sense of maturity and adulthood. Billy shows maturity when he tries to save the money for the dogs. First he showed discipline and a sense of responsibility when he had to save the 50 dollars to buy his dogs. Billy saved money for two years working odd jobs and also working at his grandpa’s general store. He didn’t spend any money while saving and collected everything that would help he kept pennies and any other type of currency.
After saving the money he secretly left his house and walked nearly 10 miles through the woods to town. While in town he went to the post office to receive his pups. He also went to the stores in town and purchased items for his family with his own money. Billy going to town on his own and showing the discipline and more importantly, the maturity to buy his dogs furthermore proves the point that having an important responsibility gives you a sense of adulthood. When Billy competes against other men and dogs in the coon hunting competition he shows a main transition from being a child to becoming a man.
After hunting for a year Billy signs up for a hunting tournament, competing against men who are both older and more experienced hunters. While at the competition a major symbol of him growing up is that before his first hunt his father and grandfather pour three cups of coffee instead of two. This shows that Billy’s elders don’t see him as “just a kid” but a young adult. He goes on to win the competition while fighting through a blizzard. Billy winning the competition and being offered coffee shows his transition to becoming a young adult. The last example of Billy maturing is him mourning the death of his dogs.
The Essay on Dogs-Man's Best Friend
Dogs have always been mans best friend and there are many reasons that this is true. Dogs are always loyal, offering unconditional love and protection. They make our lives healthier by convincing us to stay active, because they are always willing to play. Its even proven that owning a pet, whether its a dog or cat can actually lower your blood pressure by keeping you calmer and happier. They can ...
His dogs died from a malicious attack from a mountain lion while in the middle of a hunt. Once each dog died Billy was asked by his father if he wanted help burying them but he refused. To me this shows that Billy was accepting the responsibility of his dogs as solely his. This shows a solemn sense of maturity and is his final step to adulthood. Billy buried his dogs under a red fern which is considered sacred in the Ozarks, but when he talks about the red fern growing that symbolizes Billy growing over the death of his dogs and becoming a mature adult.
When he buried his dogs under the fern with no help this is the main example of him growing more mature and being a step closer to adulthood. Billy learns that assuming an important responsibility gains you the sense of maturity and adulthood. He learns the importance of responsibility, gaining maturity, and finally becoming an adult. If you remember your first loved pet you must also remember the sad time that animal died. When this happened you may have unknowingly taken a step closer to adulthood and being a more mature person.
