SECTION 5: Chapters 19-20 Where the Red Fern Grows

Close Reading
Instructions: Reread this following passage from Chapter 9 in which Billy Colman’s father praises him for
cutting down the big tree, then answer the questions below. Make sure you read the passage again if needed.

“ ‘You know, Billy,’ he said, ‘about this tree-chopping of yours, I think it’s all right. In fact, I
think it would be a good thing if all young boys had to cut down a big tree like that once in
their life. It does something for them. It gives them determination and will power. That’s a
good thing for a man to have. It goes a long way in his life.’ ”

Now answer the following questions.

1. According to the passage, what qualities does Billy’s father believe all young boys should develop?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Symbolism is when one object or thing stands in place of something else, such as an idea, another
object, a person, or a place. In this passage, cutting down a big tree gives Billy Colman
determination and will power. What could “cutting down a big tree” be a symbol for? What other
things can teach you determination and will power?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. Do you agree with Billy Colman’s father that children should struggle through a difficult task to
learn determination and will power? Are there different ways to learn this skill?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________