Study Questions
What is the relationship between Jody and his father? Between Jody and Billy Buck? How do the three interact as a unit?
How does Steinbeck make use of symbols? Name some key symbols and describe their meaning.
Most of the novel takes place within the bounds of the farm. What is significant about the action that takes place away from the farm?
How does Jody's sympathy for Gitano and his grandfather undermine his relationship with his father?
Why is the book entitled "The Red Pony?" Is "The Gift," the story of Gabilan the red pony, the most important and central story?
What evidence is there that Jody actually matures from story to story?
Is Jody mature enough to handle the "gifts" and "promises" his father gives him in challenging him to deal with horses?
Does Steinbeck give the reader much information about what goes on in Jody's mind? How does the limited information we have about Jody's improve the book. Does it keep the book from being overly philosophical? Does if force the reader to draw her or his own conclusions?
How do the stories themes of loss, growing up, and yearning for adventure relate to the setting of the American West?
