Where The Red Fern Grows

1. Where The Red Fern Grows

2. What is a theme? • A theme is a central idea or topic • It’s what the text says about the subject of the story • It can often be summed up in one word • EVIDENCE – you must be able to cite evidence from the story to support your suggested theme – events, actions, utterances, feelings

3. What are some of the most important themes in the story? • Love - Billy shows love for his dogs - Billy’s parents loved him - Billy’s dogs showed their love for Billy • Sacrifice • Billy gave his sisters a big bag of candy • Papa bought Billy a couple of traps • Billy worked for 2 years to save money and used extra money for items for his family • Billy’s dogs sacrificed their lives for him

4. More Themes • Loyalty • Billy’s dogs were loyal to him • Old Dan wouldn’t hunt without Little Ann • Little Ann licked Old Dan’s ears when they needed cleaning • Old Dan wouldn’t leave Little Ann until he rescued her from the river • The dogs did everything together

5. Themes • Faith • Billy was taught to pray for things he wanted • Billy prayed for a way to get his hound dogs • Billy prayed for a way for the large sycamore to come down

6. Themes • Determination • Billy saved money for 2 years • Billy walked a long way to get his dogs • Billy was diligent in training his dogs • Billy was determined to chop down the biggest tree in the bottoms • Billy and his dogs wouldn’t give up the hunt • Billy’s dogs were determined to protect Billy