The Gift Essay, Research Paper
The Red Pony, by John Steinbeck, tells the story of young Jody?s growth and development. The novel, The Red Pony, is divided into four chapters that which constitute four short stories depicting a portion of Jody?s growth and development. The first story, ?The Gift?, illustrates the changes and experiences young Jody faces and he reacts to them.
In the beginning of ?The Gift?, Jody living in a state of innocence in which he is blind to the evil that surrounds him. Ironically, all the brutality and harsh nature of the outside world Jody is about to face surrounds him plainer than daylight. For instance, as Billy Buck, the hand, and Carl Tiflin, Jody?s father, leave the first morning of the story, they set out to sell their old cows to the butcher (Steinbeck 3). Also, Jody?s dog Smasher, lost an ear when killed a coyote (Steinbeck 4). Further, ?Jody could see the great black kettle under the cypress tree?where the pigs were scalded? (Steinbeck 4). Jody saw these things and regarded them as part of normal life (Steinbeck 5). He has no compassion for these animals, not because he lacks a heart, but because of his innocence he cannot comprehend the brutality and gruesomeness of the actions that are occurring around him.
Jody?s father, Carl Tifflin, is shown as tall stern disciplinarian (Steinbeck 3). Jody?s father serves as the person who guides him to what is right and what is wrong. At this point, Jody does not know clearly the difference between right and wrong, which he will soon gain an awareness of it. Jody especially liked his father when his father drank brandy, because. Further, Jody?s father only gave presents with reservations (Steinbeck 6-7). In other words, Jody had to earn his gifts. Moreover, Jody likes it when his father was drunk, for he would be more sociable and less of a disciplinarian, but mostly, he would expose his ?wild days? as a boy to Jody (Steinbeck 7). On the eve before Jody gets his father had Brandy on his breath, however, Jody was disappointed that his father sent him to bed (Steinbeck 7). Later Jody will realize this is because his father his trying to surprise him.
As Jody receives his gift, the pony, Jody stands stunned and amazed. As Steinbeck put it, ?Jody?s throat collapses in on itself and cuts his breath short? (9). As Jody is given the pony, Carl Tiflin makes sure to warn Jody that if he ever hears of Jody not feeding the pony, or not cleaning the pony?s stall, he will sell the pony off. It is ironic that Jody?s care for the pony will be an interference for the other responsibilities he is obligated to do (Steinbeck 9). The pony is the center point for which Jody?s major experiences and changes will take place.
At this point, Billy Buck becomes more of a father figure to Jody than Carl Tiflin. Billy is the one who halter-breaks Gablian (Benton 29). When Jody makes accomplishments with the pony, Billy praises Jody unlike Carl Tiflin. Carl Tiflin does not even appear to recognize that Jody no longer waits for the triangle to wake him up (Steinbeck 13). Instead, Jody wakes up on his own before the triangle to take care of his pony, Gablian (Steinbeck 13). Billy Buck recognizes Jody?s new responsibility as opposed to Carl Tiflin.
As the rains pour in the subsequent days before Thanksgiving, Jody keeps pony in its stall (Steinbeck 20-1). Jody did not allow the pony to get wet (Steinbeck 21). The rain continued for a while. Eventually, as the rain stopped, Jody decided to let the pony out while he went off to school (Steinbeck 21). Jody asks Billy Buck, if it begins to rain to put the pony in its stall (Steinbeck 21). Billy Buck promises Jody he will do so (Steinbeck 22). Unfortunately, Billy Buck breaks his promise and leaves Gablian outside in the rain (Steinbeck 22). This gave Jody a sense of disappointment that someone he trusted broke a promise to him. It is a major letdown for Jody.
Because of Billy Buck?s letdown, Gablian becomes ill with a disease known as Strangles. Strangles is a disease which mainly effects horses (?Strangles Information Page? 1). Because of Jody?s great love for the pony, Jody spends all the time he can to help the pony. At first, Billy Buck attempts to convince Jody that the horse will be okay (Steinbeck 23). Billy said this, however, knowing that it was partly his fault (Steinbeck 23). After Billy Buck realized the seriousness of Gablian?s condition, he makes sure Gablian will live (Steinbeck 27).
Billy Buck used steam to open up Gablian?s air passages, however, it only helped temporarily (Steinbeck 27). Gablian continued to get sick (Steinbeck 27-9). This continued for several days (Steinbeck 29). Finally, as a last resort to save Gablian?s life, Billy Buck had to perform a tracheotomy (Steinbeck 32). Unfortunately, this failed and while Jody was asleep the pony left its stable and died (Steinbeck 36-7).
Billy Buck promised Jody he would put the pony up if it rained. Billy Buck failed to do so. Billy Buck promised Jody the pony would live. The pony died. Young Jody has come to the realization that adults are not in control of their outcomes. Billy Buck could not wave a magic wand and make things better. Jody began as a person who lived in protective world in which to his eyes everything went right. However, after the pony things went wrong. If Jody had not received the pony is world may have remained innocent, because Billy Buck would not have left the pony out in the rain. Jody would not have had a pony to miss. Jody has made a major step into the adult world.
56a
Benton, Robert M. ?Robert M. Benton on Conflicting Models of Male Adulthood.? John Steinbeck (Bloom?s Major Short Story Writers). Ed. Harold Bloom.Broomall: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999. 29-30.
Johnson, Claudia Durst. Understanding Of Mice and Men, The Red Pony, and ThePearl. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1997.
Sauder, Dianne. ?The Red Pony by John Steinbeck.? Monkey Notes. (15September 2000).
Steinbeck, John. ?The Gift.? The Red Pony. New York: Penguin Books, 1992. 1-37.
?Strangles Information Page.? Cyberhorse. (30 September 2000).
Другие работы по теме:
Debt Which Is Unrepayable Essay Research Paper
In Anne Bradstreet s poem, To Her Father with Some Verses , the speaker expresses to the reader the feeling of never being able to repay her Father , God, for the gift of life He has offered to her. The feeling of never being able to repay her Father is shown through the use of repeated symbolism and the Father is represented as God through the use of diction.
What Life Is Essay Research Paper Life
What Life Is Essay, Research Paper Life is very funny. Many people think of it as a game that must be played to the end or some may think of it as a journey in search of something. I?m one of those that think of it as?. neither. I think of it as a gift. This gift that God has bestowed upon us. This gift in which WE have total control.
America Essay Research Paper To some it
America Essay, Research Paper To some it is an inconceivable notion of perfection.To many, though it was a dream come true. Freedom, equality, and liberty. The right to do and say exactly what you want and to do what you want, to practice and religion and believe in any government.The American way of life is based on the fact that all men are created equal and all men should be given the same rights and privileges.The American people are extremely fortunate and sometimes overlook the gift of religion and government freedom which they posses.everyone has an equal opportunity to go for the American dream in full stride and not be denied along the way.The reason most immigrants came over to America in the mid-1800 s was to be successful and make a better life for themselves and their families.
1 Corinthians Essay Research Paper 1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians Essay, Research Paper 1 Corinthians 14 In this chapter, Paul concludes his discussion of spiritual gifts. In comparing the gift of prophesying with that of speaking in tongues, he points out that prophesying excels when it comes to the edification of the church (1-5). In fact, unless the speaking of tongues provides a new revelation or teaching, and is properly interpreted, it does little good (6-19).
The Rose Essay Research Paper In Mexico
The Rose Essay, Research Paper In Mexico they celebrate the birth of Jesus and the coming of the three kings. Their celebrations begin 12 days before Christmas. When
The Good Earth Essay Research Paper Good
The Good Earth Essay, Research Paper Good evening, we the graduating class of blessed sacrament school would like to welcome you to our 8th grade graduation. On behalf of the graduating class I especially would like to welcome Fr. McCarthy and Fr. Hand, Dr. Rouke, Teachers, Parents, relatives, and friends to our graduating ceremony.
God And Gifts Essay Research Paper Amadeus
God And Gifts Essay, Research Paper Amadeus: God and Gifts Amadeus was a great film. The overall theme of the movie is a man vs. God. Antonio Salieri s started his life in music after his father died. He found that music was his passion. He devoted his life to writing music and to God. He was content with his music, and was considered a great Italian composer.
To Her Father With Some Verses Essay
, Research Paper In Anne Bradstreet?s poem, "To Her Father with Some Verses", the speaker expresses to the reader the feeling of never being able to repay her "Father", God, for the gift of life He has offered to her. The feeling of never being able to repay her "Father" is shown through the use of repeated symbolism and the "Father" is represented as God through the use of diction.
Mother Essay Research Paper In this paper
Mother Essay, Research Paper In this paper of a mother, the story will be told of a young woman who has a two-month-old son. As she tries to continue with her education, take care of her son and play college basketball. She always dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player with a big car, nice crib and many friends.
Hatchet Essay Research Paper Hatchet Gary Paulsen
Hatchet Essay, Research Paper Hatchet Gary Paulsen 9-26-00 13 year old Brian Robinson is going to visit his father. His parents are divorced and his father lives in Canada. Brian has to take a plane to Canada. His mother gives him a gift before he leaves and it is a hatchet that fits on his belt so Brian puts it there.
The Greatest Gift By Al Martinez Essay
?, Research Paper In “The Greatest Gift” Al Martinez defines generosity. Al’s definition of a generous person is someone who gives without any thought of recognition. He defines
The Irony Of The Short Stories
, “The Necklace” And “The Gift Of The Magi” Essay, Research Paper The irony in the short stories, “The Necklace” and “The Gift of the Magi,” ought to be further analyzed. Through examination of this element in literature the reader can derive many morals and themes that could be useful in their own lives. “The Necklace” is a perfect example of irony and sends many powerful messages to the reader.
Living By The Water Essay Research Paper
LIVING BY THE WATER If I could chose to live by the mountains or by the water, I would chose to live by the water. Almost all of my life, I have wanted to live by the water. To be able to live by the water would be the greatest gift to me. I just love to be around water.
Stairway To Heaven Essay Research Paper In
Stairway To Heaven Essay, Research Paper In the first verse the writer talks about a lady who is buying him a present. If she gets the right thing than he will be happy and it would be
Harrison Bergeron Dialogue Essay Research Paper Harrison
Harrison Bergeron Dialogue Essay, Research Paper Harrison Bergeron Dialogue Harrison’s Mother attempts to explain to Harrison why he must not try tobe better than anyone else. “Harrson, come here please, your Father and I want to talk to you for amoment.” He knew what it was about, his parents wanted to tell him why it’s not rightto be different from anyone else.
The Most Meaningful Gift Essay Research Paper
The theme for “The Gift of the Magi” is that love is more important than any material item. Della and Jim, the two main characters, demonstrated the theme. This theme also occurs in the “real world.”
Gift Of Magi And Necklace Essay Research
Paper Rob Reynolds In the short stories “The Gift of the Magi”, and “The Necklace” there are many things that can noticed that are similar. The settings of these two stories are very similar:
Description Of Mom Essay Research Paper There
Description Of Mom Essay, Research Paper There are those that come in to our lives and leave a special gift in our hearts. There are also those who are nothing but a passing memory. As for me, the person that has given me a special gift is my mother.
Theme Of Gift Of The Magi Essay
, Research Paper The theme of ?The Gift of the Magi? is that the best gifts are those that are meaningful and given out of love and sacrifice. In this story, Della?s most prized possession was her hair, while Jim?s was his gold pocket watch. Since they are poor, Della sells her hair to get Jim a fob for his pocket watch since he keeps it on a leather strap.
The Holy Bible Essay Research Paper Our
The Holy Bible Essay, Research Paper Our Children Children are the offspring born to a husband and wife in marriage relationship. To the Hebrews, children were considered gifts from God, and to be childless was considered a reproach; And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men (Luke 1:25).
Social Change Essay Research Paper In the
Social Change Essay, Research Paper In the article, “The Rhetorician as an Agent of Social Change”, written by Ellen Cushman, I believe that the way I feel about ACCESS is shown. “A gift that is not returned can become a debt, a lasting obligation. Depending on the terms of the exchange, this obligation can either be in the form of a monetary debt, which imposes “overtly economic obligations by the usurer”, or in the form of ethical debt, which produces “moral obligations and emotional attachment created and maintained by the generous gift.” (380)
Creative Thinking Essay Research Paper 12 STEPS
Creative Thinking Essay, Research Paper 12 STEPS TO CREATIVE THINKING by James Lund Do you ever get thinker’s block? You have to come up with a great idea for a project, buy the perfect gift, write a sermon, develop a solution to an on-going problem – and nothing comes to mind? Your frustration at not having a ready response can inhibit any further creative thinking.
Holocaust Essay Research Paper Holocaust
Holocaust Essay, Research Paper Holocaust Essay submitted by Yogi36@mailexcite I’ve thought, and thought about resistance in the Holocaust and I’ve come to this
Slow Dance Essay Research Paper S L
Slow Dance Essay, Research Paper S L O W D A N C E: *BR* *br* Have you ever watched kids*br* on a merry-go-round*br* Or listened to the rain*br* slapping on the ground?*br**br*
Jewish Art Essay Research Paper Jewish Art
Jewish Art Essay, Research Paper Jewish Art On many occasions art has the power to tell a story or even express how someone feels. The speaker on Jewish art was very interesting. She translates many
The Gift Outright Essay Research Paper The
The Gift Outright Essay, Research Paper The Gift Outright In the poem The Gift Outright, Robert Frost uses a historical theme to express the feelings of Americans long ago; feelings of oppression and desperation which ultimately lead to joy and triumph. Frost connects with the many Americans today who also have these feelings when reading the poem.
The Gift Essay Research Paper The Gift
The Gift Essay, Research Paper The Gift In “The Gift” by Louise Glock, the little boy is calling oggie, oggie, at his front door. This could mean several things, first we would have to look at
My Gift Essay Research Paper My gift
My Gift Essay, Research Paper My gift to you is somewhat strange, it’s hidden and silent, alone and unheard, but it still lives beneath the darkened sun, it’s love and hope and joy and sight,
Nature 2 Essay Research Paper In the
Nature 2 Essay, Research Paper In the story “The Gift”, by Louis Dollarhide, he makes use of nature imagery on both the human relationship with objects and nature. The Oxford Reference Dictionary defines “nature” as “1. The phenomena of the physical world as a whole . . . 2. A thing’s essential qualities; a person’s or animal’s innate character . . . 4.
Trainers Report Essay Research Paper PurposeThe purpose
Trainers? Report Essay, Research Paper Purpose: The purpose of this training session is to teach the trainee how to fold a turtle. In the Korean culture, by folding a thousand turtles, it brings truth, victory and luck to the person who is receiving it as a gift.
Worth Dying For Essay Research Paper Worth
Worth Dying For Essay, Research Paper Worth Dying For Life is God?s greatest gift to mankind. Is there anything worth losing this most precious gift for? Both US History and Literature give us an in-depth perspective on how