In Wilson Rawls' novel, Where the Red Fern Grows, several underlying themes construct a timeless American classic. The themes of determination, love and sacrifice come together to have an emotional impact on the audience. In the novel, the author introduces a boy determined to own two hunting dogs. Additionally, Billy demonstrates love and sacrifice when caring for his two beloved dogs. Billy, who is just a young boy, displays a sense of selfless sacrifice and love and exudes a strong sense of determination to obtain the hunting dogs. The author demonstrates that through determination anyone can achieve their goals and persevere. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Determination can be defined as the characteristic of being consistent and not even considering “failure” as an option. The theme of determination, prevalent throughout the novel, began when Billy became interested in hounds. Billy was anxious to save enough money to purchase the dogs and was willing to do any job he was offered. After two years of hard work, Billy finally saved enough money to buy two hunting dogs. Billy was not only determined to acquire the dogs, but he was also determined to show them loyalty and love. “During the dogs' first hunting trip, a raccoon runs and hides in a large sycamore tree.” “Due to the enormous size of the tree, Billy wanted to give up and forget about the raccoon.” “Then he starts telling his dogs that there's nothing that can be done; However, he changed his mind when he saw the dog's sad expression." These quotes show how much Billy truly cared for his dogs. He didn't want them to put themselves in any kind of danger where they could get hurt. In addition to Billy, the dogs also showed determination. Rawls writes: “My hounds did not move to follow them. They started whining. Old Dan reared up, put his front paw on the trunk, and began to scream. Little Ann came to me. She reared up and started licking my hands.” This quote shows that old Dan and little Ann would not let any obstacle come in the way of the raccoon. Another example of determination is through Billy's grandfather. Help Billy by pushing him along the road. Rawls writes: “'Hello! How is it going?' thunder. “Not so good, Grandpa,” I said. “I don't think I can cut it. It's just too big. I think I'll have to give up." 'Give up!' Grandpa barked. "Now I don't want to hear you say that. No, sir, that's the last thing I want to hear. Don't ever start anything you can't finish." tireless determination, he decided to cut down the great sycamore. The author states: “With tears in my eyes, I looked again at the great sycamore. A wave of anger came over me. Gritting my teeth, I said: “I don't care how big you are, I won't let my dogs down. I told them if they put a raccoon in a tree I would do the rest and I will. I will tear you to pieces. I don't care if it takes me a whole year.'” Because the dogs witnessed Billy's determination, they were able to show determination in their lives and actions. Billy is guided by his grandfather's advice and the will to not let him give up, which shows in the novel how determination is one. a characteristic that is passed down from generation to generation in the boy's family. Billy not only shows determination, but he shows a great sense of love. Billy first showed his immensely strong love for his hounds when they were returning fromTahlequah and heard a mountain lion. Billy was feeling very defensive about his hounds, so he built a fire to keep the mountain lion alert. Rawls writes, “I was ready to die for my dogs” (48). Billy would do anything for his dogs, even if it meant putting his own life in danger. The theme of love was not only present in Billy, but also in his family too. Billy and his sisters grew up with many opportunities, such as education, so in order to have a better life they were forced to move. Billy's father has worked very hard to earn enough money to move him and his family to the city, so they can have a chance at a better life. The author writes: “In a sober voice my father said: “Someday you may have to live in the city. Your mother and I do not intend to live in these hills our whole lives. It's not the right place to raise a family. A man's children should have an education. They should go out, see the world and meet people.'” Billy's mother also shows great care and love for Billy. Rawls states, “Mom said softly, 'I will pray every day and every night that that day will come. I don't want you children to create without an education, without even knowing what a bottle of soda is, or without ever seeing the inside of a school. I don't think I could stand it. I'll just keep praying and one day the good Lord may answer my prayer.'” His parents showed love when they moved house to provide a better future for their children. They did not think primarily of themselves, but of the good of their children. While the theme of love was depicted frequently throughout the novel, the theme of sacrifice is shown in a similar way. Contributing to the themes of love and determination, the theme of sacrifice is evident throughout the novel from a variety of characters. At the beginning of the novel, Billy is willing to make a great sacrifice. Rawls writes: “After thinking about it, I found a way to help. Even though it was a big sacrifice, I told Dad I had decided I didn't want to haul hounds. One would be enough." The main character realized that he would put his family in a difficult situation if he asked for two dogs, so he changed his plans to accommodate his family. This is a great sacrifice made by such a young child. Billy also sacrifices his time to ensure he gets a raccoon skin to train his dogs to hunt. Rawls writes, “Training continued through the summer and into late fall.” Billy could have used his time for himself, but instead he used it to help Old Dan and Little Ann. Sacrifice is also shown through Billy's dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, who put their lives on the line for Billy in a fight against a mountain lion. Rawls writes: “Hearing a noise from the bed, I looked back. The female puppy, hearing the commotion, got up and joined the male dogs. They sat side by side with their bodies stiff and rigid. Their small, piercing eyes peered into the darkness beyond the cave. The wet tips of their little black noses wriggled and twisted as if trying to catch a scent.” This shows that Billy's dogs were willing to take risks for their owner. Finally, Billy's father helps Billy hunt instead of working on their farm. Rawls says, “The next day Dad had to go to the store. Late that evening I saw him return. As fast as I could, I ran towards him, expecting a bag of candy. Instead he handed me three small steel traps. He showed me how to set them by squeezing the spring with my foot and how to operate the trigger.” The,.