Jody's development in Red Pony?

Question

I did read the book; I was just wondering what some specific examples that Jody actually matured throughout Steinbeck's novel. Thanks!

Answer 1

Jody Tiflin is the main character and protagonist of the novel. When the book begins, he is a typical, young boy of ten years of age. He goes to school but is not very interested in his studies. He would rather be outside chunking rocks, using his slingshot, or capturing lizards and grasshopper. His favorite pastime, however, is to take his rifle and aim it at things, as if he were shooting; it is his father's rule that he will not be allowed to actually shoot the gun until he turns twelve. Although Jody has been given chores, such as filling the wood box and gathering the hens' eggs, he often has to be reminded to do them and frequently does them carelessly.

Jody's parents are very different. Although his mother chides him about his chores and calls him "Big Britches," she is quiet, kind, and supportive of Jody. In contrast, Mr. Tiflin seems like an insensitive father who does not take the time to know or understand his son. He is largely pictured as a stern disciplinarian who enforces many rules and frequently punishes; he is determined that Jody will grow up to be a responsible and independent man, capable of running the ranch. Since Jody does not often spend time with Mr. Tiflin, he turns to Billy Buck, the ranch-hand, as a substitute father. When the boy has questions or problems, he usually takes them to Billy.
In fact, it is Billy who convinces Mr. Tiflin that Jody should have a pony of his own. He feels that raising a horse will teach the boy responsibility. Billy's suggestion is obviously a wise one, for once Jody receives Gabilan, he begins to assume responsibility. He gets up without being called in order to care for his colt; he remembers to do his chores without being told. He also does them with greater care. Additionally, Jody learns from Billy Buck how to take care for the little pony; he even goes to extremes, overprotecting Gabilan.

Billy has always been Jody's "hero," as well as his friend and substitute father. As a result, Jody trusts him completely. When he asks Jody to leave Gabilan out in the corral and promises good weather, Jody agrees without question. Unfortunately, the weather turns bad and the overprotected colt gets drenched and catches cold. Despite the many efforts that Billy and Jody make to help the colt improve, nothing works. One night, Gabilan gets out of the barn and goes off alone to die. Jody is greatly pained over the death of his colt and blames Billy; however, experiencing death first-hand and feeling the pain of loss help Jody to mature.

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