The Red Pony

Jody, the protagonist is given a pony in the first short story, the gift. He loves the pony and following the instructions of a knowledgeable horse handler on the farm, cares for it, fantasizing about the great adventures the two would have when after spending many anxious months preparing to break it. However, tragedy occurs, and Jody is forced to grow up quickly. The Great Mountains sees Jody learning about the world around him through a wandering Mexican, who against Jody's fathers best wishes, stays a night in a small guest house on the ranch. Jody spends time with him, learning from the quite man. He learns more about his own longings and dreams through quite reflection, when the Mexican wanders off into the mountains which hold the young boys fascination. In the Promise, Jody's hard father allows him to have a mare on the ranch bred, and Jody works hard at chores to pay for the cost. The thrill soon wears off, and the waiting bothers Jody who also has fears the horse handler will do something which will lead to the death of the foal. The horse handler, feeling responsible for the tragedy in the Red Pony goes to extreme lengths to ensure Jody gets his colt, however the brutality of the circumstances leave Jody horrified, even though he gets what he wants. The final story, the leader of the people, sees Jody's grandfather come to stay. Although this bothers his father, who dislikes the old mans pioneer stories, Jody is enthralled by them. Cruel words hurt the visitor, and Jody has to once again take a look at his life, who he is and who he will become."