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

The Flashback
Where the Red Fern Grows begins in the present, with a man’s memories triggered by the valiant
courage of a redbone hound who is in a street fight with some town dogs. What unfolds in flashback
form is a beautifully touching story about the loving and fulfilling relationship that can exist between a
boy and his dogs. There are many things around us that can trigger memories. As we look at a favorite
old plaything, our younger years come flooding back. As we smell the salty smell of an ocean breeze, a
wonderful weekend at the shore fills our senses. As we hear a bit of music that brought us comfort in
the past, we are again comforted. As we touch a hard-won trophy or ribbon, our struggle for it is
relived. As we hold a special gift that was given to us by someone who is no longer alive, we feel that
person with us.

What triggers memories for you? Is it a photograph, a story, or a song? Is it a trophy, a stuffed animal,
or the smell of baking cookies? What can make you flashback into your past?

For this activity, choose something or someone that causes you to think about the past. Write your
choice here.

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Create a story that is told in flashback form the way Wilson Rawls tells his. Begin the story in the
present, and see, hear, smell, taste, touch the special thing you mentioned above. Then, as your
memories come fl flooding back, tell your story on the back of this page.

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