The Yearling

In the rustic backwoods of Florida, Jody Baxter lives with his parents, Ora and Ezra 'Penny' Baxter. Their small farm, passed down through generations, provides the backdrop for a simple yet challenging life, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War.

The memory of Jody's six older siblings, who never had the chance to live, casts a long shadow over his parents. Ora's difficulty in connecting with Jody is magnified by their shared grief and the struggles of their day-to-day life.

Jody has always dreamt of having a pet, particularly against his mother's practical hesitations. Their ongoing struggle to provide food for the family puts this cherished dream in jeopardy.

The presence of Slewfoot, a notorious old bear, puts the Baxter farm under threat as it preys on their livestock. This danger leads to escalating tensions and fierce disputes between the Baxters and their neighbors, the Forresters.

Despite the unsavory reputation of the Forrester clan, Jody finds companionship in Fodder-Wing, the youngest of the family. Their friendship provides Jody solace amidst the chaos surrounding their families.

During a fateful encounter, Jody and his father, Penny, catch the Forresters stealing their hogs. This revelation leads to a series of confrontations and further escalates the conflict between the families.

Penny experiences a near-fatal incident when he is bitten by a venomous rattlesnake. Quick thinking allows him to survive, but the situation results in an orphaned fawn left behind, which Jody later bonds with.

Jody forms an unbreakable bond with the orphaned fawn, which he persuades his parents to let him keep. This connection becomes crucial as Jody faces life’s trials and tribulations.

As the seasons change, Jody's life is filled with challenges, including the struggle against hunger and the devastating flood that strikes their home. These events test the family's resilience and unity.

Jody finds solace through his relationship with Flag, the fawn, and the warm-hearted residents of Volusia and Ocala. These connections stand in stark contrast to the hostility of the Forresters.

Jody faces an agonizing choice when his mother contemplates shooting a deer for survival. This decision forces him to weigh his loyalty to Flag against the needs of his family.

After a heart-wrenching decision, Jody finds himself in turmoil after taking Flag's life. This traumatic experience unleashes a whirlwind of intense emotions and challenges his understanding of loyalty.

In a misguided attempt to reconnect with an old friend in Boston, Jody embarks on a challenging journey in a rickety canoe. This adventure ultimately leads him to face dire circumstances, forcing him to confront his fears.

Jody's harrowing voyage concludes when a mail ship finds him and brings him back to the safety of Volusia. This journey marks a turning point in his development as he sheds his childhood innocence.

Through these trials, Jody learns the value of love, family, and responsibility. His journey transforms him into a stronger, more resilient individual, ready to face the harsh realities of life.