Overview of the Chapter
Introduction to the Chapter
“This is Jody’s Fawn” is an excerpt from a novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. The story explores themes of responsibility, compassion, and the bond between humans and animals. It recounts a young boy’s quest to care for an orphaned fawn whose mother was killed to save his father’s life.
Summary of the Chapter
Detailed Summary
Jody’s Decision
Jody Baxter is a young boy living in the Florida backwoods with his family. When his father, Penny Baxter, is bitten by a rattlesnake, they kill a doe (female deer) to use its liver as an antidote. Jody feels guilty for the fawn left behind and decides to take care of it.
Jody’s Compassion
Jody expresses his desire to his father, who, although initially hesitant, understands Jody’s feelings. Jody’s mother, however, is less understanding and worries about the practicalities of caring for the fawn. After some convincing, Jody is allowed to go and find the fawn.
The Search for the Fawn
Jody sets out to find the fawn, accompanied by his father. They retrace their steps to the spot where the doe was killed. Jody finds the fawn, weak and frightened, but manages to soothe it and gain its trust.
Bringing the Fawn Home
Jody carries the fawn home, showing great care and responsibility. He feeds it milk from a gourd and makes a bed for it. The fawn quickly becomes attached to Jody, and they develop a strong bond.
Jody’s Growth
Throughout the story, Jody’s character matures. He learns about responsibility, empathy, and the consequences of actions. The fawn symbolizes innocence and the cycle of life, and Jody’s dedication to caring for it highlights his growth from a boy to a more responsible individual.
Themes of the Chapter
Compassion and Responsibility
Caring for Others: The story emphasizes the importance of compassion and responsibility through Jody’s care for the fawn.
Moral Growth: Jody’s journey reflects his moral growth as he learns to take responsibility for his actions.
Bond Between Humans and Animals
Human-Animal Connection: The story explores the deep bond that can form between humans and animals, showcasing mutual trust and dependence.
Nature’s Cycle: It also highlights the cycle of life and the interdependence between humans and nature.
Character Analysis
Jody Baxter
Compassionate: Jody is deeply compassionate, feeling responsible for the orphaned fawn.
Determined: He is determined to take care of the fawn, despite the challenges.
Mature: Jody’s character matures as he takes on the responsibility of caring for the fawn.
Penny Baxter
Understanding: Penny understands Jody’s feelings and supports his decision to care for the fawn.
Wise: He provides guidance and wisdom to Jody, helping him navigate his responsibilities.
Ma Baxter
Practical: Ma Baxter is practical and concerned about the logistics of caring for the fawn.
Protective: She is protective of her family and worries about the additional burden.
Important Examples and Cases
Jody’s Compassion
Example: Jody’s decision to care for the fawn after the doe is killed reflects his deep compassion and sense of responsibility.
Human-Animal Bond
Example: The bond that forms between Jody and the fawn illustrates the mutual trust and dependence that can exist between humans and animals.
Literary Devices
Symbolism
The Fawn: The fawn symbolizes innocence and the natural cycle of life, highlighting themes of responsibility and care.
Imagery
Nature Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the forest and the fawn create a rich, immersive experience for the reader.
Character Development
Jody’s Growth: The story focuses on Jody’s character development, showcasing his growth from a boy to a responsible individual.
Notable Observations
Moral Lessons
Compassion and Responsibility: The story teaches important moral lessons about compassion and responsibility towards others, including animals.
Nature’s Interconnectedness
Human-Nature Relationship: It highlights the interconnectedness of human and nature, emphasizing the importance of respecting and caring for the natural world.
Vocabulary from the Chapter
Antidote: A medicine taken to counteract a particular poison.
Fawn: A young deer.
Gourd: A container made from the hard shell of a fruit.
Doe: A female deer.
Rattlesnake: A venomous snake with a rattle at the end of its tail.
Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others.
Responsibility: The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something.
Bond: A strong connection or relationship between individuals.
Key Terms and Concepts
Antidote: A remedy to counteract poison.
Fawn: A young deer, symbolizing innocence.
Gourd: A container made from a dried, hard fruit shell, used to feed the fawn.
Doe: The mother deer whose liver was used as an antidote.
Compassion: Deep sympathy and concern for others’ suffering, shown by Jody.
Responsibility: The duty to care for others, emphasized in Jody’s actions.
Human-Animal Bond: The mutual trust and dependence between Jody and the fawn.
Character Development: Jody’s growth from a boy to a responsible caretaker.
Additional Value Addition
Real-life Applications
Animal Care: The story can inspire readers to show compassion and responsibility towards animals.
Moral Development: It emphasizes the importance of moral development in children through acts of kindness and responsibility.
Chronology of Key Events
| Event |
|---|
| Penny’s Snakebite: Penny Baxter is bitten by a rattlesnake, and a doe is killed for its liver to use as an antidote. |
| Jody’s Guilt: Jody feels guilty about the orphaned fawn and decides to care for it. |
| Seeking Permission: Jody convinces his parents to let him find and care for the fawn. |
| Finding the Fawn: Jody and his father retrace their steps and find the fawn. |
| Caring for the Fawn: Jody brings the fawn home, feeds it, and cares for it. |
| Bond Formation: A strong bond forms between Jody and the fawn, symbolizing his growth and responsibility. |
FAQs on Chapter 6: This is Jody’s Fawn
1. Who is the author of “This is Jody’s Fawn”?
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.
2. What prompts Jody to take care of the fawn?
Jody feels guilty for the fawn left orphaned after its mother was killed to save his father’s life from a rattlesnake bite.
3. What was used as an antidote for Penny’s snakebite?
The liver of a doe (female deer).
4. How does Jody convince his parents to let him care for the fawn?
Jody expresses his deep feelings of guilt and responsibility towards the orphaned fawn, and after some convincing, his parents agree.
5. Who accompanies Jody to find the fawn?
His father, Penny Baxter.
6. How does Jody manage to gain the fawn’s trust?
Jody soothes the frightened fawn with gentle words and movements.
7. What does Jody use to feed the fawn?
Milk from a gourd.
8. How does Jody feel about the responsibility of taking care of the fawn?
Jody feels a strong sense of responsibility and compassion towards the fawn.
9. What does the fawn symbolize in the story?
The fawn symbolizes innocence and the natural cycle of life.
10. How does Jody’s character develop throughout the story?
Jody matures as he learns about responsibility, empathy, and the consequences of his actions.
11. What is the initial reaction of Jody’s mother to his plan?
Jody’s mother is initially concerned about the practicalities of caring for the fawn.
12. How does Jody’s father react to Jody’s desire to care for the fawn?
Penny Baxter understands Jody’s feelings and supports his decision.
13. What is the significance of the forest setting in the story?
The forest setting highlights the natural environment and the bond between humans and animals.
14. How does the story explore the theme of compassion?
The story explores compassion through Jody’s care and concern for the orphaned fawn.
15. What lesson does Jody learn about responsibility?
Jody learns that taking responsibility involves dedication and care for others, even in challenging circumstances.
16. Why is Jody’s action of caring for the fawn important to his character development?
It shows Jody’s growth from a boy to a more mature and responsible individual.
17. How does the bond between Jody and the fawn develop?
The bond develops through Jody’s consistent care, feeding, and nurturing of the fawn.
18. What is the role of Jody’s father in the story?
Penny Baxter acts as a guide and supporter for Jody’s decision to care for the fawn.
19. How does the story depict the cycle of life in nature?
The story depicts the cycle of life through the death of the doe and the care for the orphaned fawn.
20. What moral lesson does the story convey?
The story conveys the moral lesson of compassion, responsibility, and the importance of caring for others.
21. What practical challenges does Jody face in caring for the fawn?
Jody faces challenges such as feeding the fawn and ensuring its safety and comfort.
22. How does Jody’s mother’s attitude change over the course of the story?
Jody’s mother becomes more accepting of the fawn as she sees Jody’s dedication and responsibility.
23. What literary devices are used in “This is Jody’s Fawn”?
The story uses symbolism (the fawn representing innocence) and imagery (vivid descriptions of the forest and the fawn).
24. How does the story highlight the interdependence between humans and nature?
The story highlights this interdependence through Jody’s reliance on the forest and its creatures for both survival and emotional growth.
25. What is the significance of the title “This is Jody’s Fawn”?
The title emphasizes Jody’s connection to the fawn and his sense of responsibility and ownership in caring for it.
MCQs on Chapter 6: This is Jody’s Fawn
1. What prompts Jody to take care of the fawn?
2. What was used as an antidote for Penny’s snakebite?
3. Who accompanies Jody to find the fawn?
4. How does Jody manage to gain the fawn’s trust?
5. What does Jody use to feed the fawn?
6. How does Jody feel about the responsibility of taking care of the fawn?
7. What does the fawn symbolize in the story?
8. How does Jody’s character develop throughout the story?
9. What is Jody’s mother’s initial reaction to his plan to care for the fawn?
10. How does Jody’s father react to Jody’s desire to care for the fawn?
11. How does the story explore the theme of compassion?
12. What lesson does Jody learn about responsibility?
13. What role does Jody’s father play in the story?
14. How does the story depict the cycle of life in nature?
15. What is the significance of the title “This is Jody’s Fawn”?
