The final draft of "where the red fern grows" narrative essay
Title: The Beauty of the Red Fern
There are some tales that define a moment and inspire a lifetime. The story of Where the Red Fern Grows is one of endurance, love, and sacrifice. It is a heart-wrenching tale that both devastates and uplifts the soul, leaving the reader with an indelible mark that will forever be entrenched in their hearts. As a child, I was captivated by this story, enchanted by the bond between man and hound, and captivated by the beauty and tragedy of the narrative. This essay is a touching tribute and exploration of the significance of the red fern and the impact it has had on my life.
Where the Red Fern Grows, written by Wilson Rawls, narrates the story of a young boy named Billy Coleman, who lives in the Ozark Mountains of northeastern Oklahoma. The story takes place during the Great Depression, making the character's desire to own and train hunting hounds an extraordinary challenge. Despite the harsh reality of economic hardship, Billy demonstrates determination and grit, traits that endeared him to the reader and instilled a deep bond within our relationship.
Billy's unyielding desire for the hunting hounds was so powerful that it drove him on a two-year-long quest to save the money needed to purchase the dogs. The eventual acquisition of the hounds was a triumph for both the story and the reader, harboring a connection that would last throughout the narrative.
The tale teaches profound life lessons. The boundless love and loyalty between Billy and his hounds, Little Ann and Old Dan, illustrate the true meaning of friendship and partnership. Their adventures through hunting raccoons taught me perseverance and the value of steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Amidst the beauty and triumph of Billy's relationship with his dogs, the story contains moments of heartache as well. Old Dan's courageous act of defending Billy against an attack by a mountain lion would ultimately cost the dog its life. The pain and suffering that ensued were a stark reminder of the reality of life and the knowledge that even the most beautiful experiences can end in tragedy.
The true magic, however, unfolds at the end of the story. After Little Ann's heartbreaking loss of will to live and subsequent death, the legend of the red fern is revealed. According to Cherokee folklore, the rare red fern is planted by an angel where the spirits of the deceased will dwell, and is a symbol of undying love and dedication. The significance of the red fern growing over the graves of Old Dan and Little Ann is a testament to the unbreakable bond that existed between the dogs, Billy, and the reader.
In my own life, the story of Where the Red Fern Grows, and specifically the legend of the red fern, has had a profound impact. The themes of the narrative – the power of determination, love, and sacrifice – helped shape my values and aspirations. Moreover, the red fern became symbolic of hope, the notion that even in our darkest moments, there exists the potential for beauty and redemption.
Where the Red Fern Grows is a narrative that resonates deeply within the heart of the reader. Both tender and fierce in its exploration of life, the story's ultimate message is resoundingly clear: love transcends all barriers and unites us even in the face of tragic circumstances. The red fern, as an emblem of that love, serves as a poignant reminder that even in darkness, there is light.
Title: The Beauty of the Red Fern