The novel where the red fern grows by Wilson Rawls circles around events aimed at teaching the reader to always appreciate the times and moments that he/she (the reader) has with loved ones. It is because in life change takes place so suddenly that even before one appreciates what has happened a very important personality in his/her life has departed forever.
In this particular story, Rawls documents the fun and adventure that Billy Colman goes through alongside his dogs Old Dan and Little Ann. The author takes us through the interesting events and challenges that Billy and the dogs go through until the sad demise of Old Dan following a mountain lion attack and the ensuing death of Little Ann, who succumbs to grief.
The entire story is a documentation of the happiness that the dogs brought to Bill, and its conclusion is practically an illustration of how fond memories always stay with the individuals left behind after the sudden demise of a loved one. It is evidenced by the final sentences of the last chapter which, speaking of the red fern growing on the graves of Billy’s dead dogs, says, “… I know it is still there, hiding its secret beneath those long, red leaves, but it wouldn’t be hidden from me for part of my life is buried there too” (Rawls 249).
Works Cited
Rawls,Wilson. Where the red fern grows. New York: Random House Children’s Books, 2009.