After Billy loses his dogs, he has to bury them. On the day that Billy’s family moves out of their home in the Ozarks, Billy goes up to his dogs’ graves to say goodbye. Then, he sees that “a beautiful red fern had sprung up from the rich mountain soil,” and onto his dog’s grave (278). When Billy sees the red fern, he is stunned. Then, he calls his family to come up and see the red fern. Everyone stands awed. This reminds Billy of a Native American legend where two kids die in a snowstorm. Then, in Spring, a beautiful red fern had sprung up between their two bodies. According to this Native American legend, “only an angel could plant the seeds of the red fern, and that they never died; where one grew, that spot was sacred” (278).

 According to the legend, once the red fern grows, it never dies and that spot is sacred. Therefore, the red fern represents the life of a loved one who is still living even though they are physically dead. In the book, the fern grows on the dogs’ grave. This symbolizes Old Dan’s and Little Ann’s spirit will not die either. The spirit and memories of these dogs will live on forever in Billy’s heart and mind. 

The red fern grows on Old Dan and Little Ann’s grave. This indicates that their gravesite is sacred or these dogs are special. The fern also represents the love that grows between the dogs and Billy. In the story, Billy and his dogs always worked side by side while hunting or doing anything else. The dogs were Billy’s best friends, and they had many good times together. When the dogs died, Billy was very sad. He cried and he was hurting mentally and emotionally. He did not feel like doing anything. He was that sad. This shows how much he loves his dogs. 

If you did not know, I don’t actually spent my holidays writing articles. Actually, it takes a few weeks to write them, even this tiny piece. It’s short, but I’ve been working on something more exciting. You’ll find out soon. Anyway, I hope you had a great break. Today is thanksgiving, so think about what you are thankful for. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Turkey? Cranberries? My favorite is pie – pumpkin pie – not 3.14… Anyway, have a great day.