What becomes a microcosm in the red pony?
the tiflin ranch
What were the two books that influenced John Steinbeck?
The Bible and Morte d’Arthur
Why must the characters always be aware of the forces of nature?j
They must learn to live with nature because of weather, life, death, etc.
What is growing up include accepting?
the cycle of life and death
What represents old in the red pony?
Gitano represents the old Mexican settlers of California
What represents new in the Red Pony?
the tiflins
What does the death of Nellie and the birth of her foal symbolize?
Old giving way to the new
What shows the old pioneering spirit supplanted by the less adventurous ways of ranchers and farmers?
“The Leader of the People”
What does Carl’s unkindness to Gitano illustrate?
a conflict between youth and old age
What puts the generations (youth and old age) against each other?
The leader of the people (Grandfather and carl)
Part 1
Conflict is between Jody and Billy Buch on one side and death on the other side. The plot reaches its climax when Jody sees the buzzards surrounding the pony and realizes that he has lost the the struggle.
Part 2
Generational conflict between Carl and Gitano. The climax occurs when the Tiflins learn that Gitano has ridden off into the mountains to die.
Part 3
Jody’s conflict is whether or not to trust Billy Buck. Billy’s killing of the mare Nellie is the climax of this section.
Part 4
This part centered around another generational conflict, this time between Carl and Grandfather. The climax occurs when the older man hears Carl complaining about Grandfather’s stories; significant is the end when Jody offers to fix a lemonade for Grandfather.
Which parts center around People vs. Death and have a violent tone?
Parts 1 and 3
Which parts center around Old vs. New and have a sad tone?
Parts 2 and 4
What connects the 4 parts?
Characters: Jody, his parents, and Billy Buck
Setting: the Tiflin ranch
All are concerned with the four fundamental issues of growing up, living with nature, and life and death.
What does Grandfather symbolize?
The American pioneer past
What does the triangle symbolize?
spiritual warning
What does spring water/the mossy tub symbolize?
the continuation of life
What do The Great Mountains symbolize?
the mystery of life
What does the cypress tree symbolize?
the inevitability of death
What does the rapier represent?
man’s mortality
What does Ruth represent?
compassion