36 pages • 1 hour read
“At daybreak Billy Buck emerged from the bunkhouse and stood for a moment on the porch looking up at the sky.”
This is the opening line of “The Gift.” Billy’s actions introduce the theme of The Connection Between People and Their Environment. Billy looking at the sky also foreshadows how he will incorrectly predict the weather later in the story.
“Nearly all of his father’s presents were given with reservations which diminished their value somewhat. It was good discipline.”
This quote develops the character of Carl and the relationship between Carl and Jody. Carl is primarily a disciplinarian, and the gift of the pony is meant to teach Jody responsibility.
“They knew Jody had been miraculously lifted out of equality with them, and had been placed over them.”
This passage occurs when Jody shows six boys from his school his pony. He and his schoolmates believe that having a horse makes one a superior person.
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By John Steinbeck
Aging
View Collection
American Literature
View Collection
Animals in Literature
View Collection
Books that Feature the Theme of...
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Earth Day
View Collection
Fathers
View Collection
Fear
View Collection
Forgiveness
View Collection
Nobel Laureates in Literature
View Collection
Pride & Shame
View Collection