Summary
The Yearling is a beloved coming-of-age novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Published in 1938, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction the following year. Set in the backwoods of Florida, the story follows young Jody Baxter as he adopts an orphaned fawn, exploring themes of family, survival, and the harsh realities of rural life in the post-Civil War era.
The novel's popularity has endured for over eight decades, selling more than 250,000 copies in its first year alone. It has been translated into over 25 languages, cementing its place as a classic of American literature. Rawlings's vivid portrayal of the Florida wilderness and her nuanced characters have captivated readers for generations.
Set in the Florida backwoods after the Civil War, The Yearling follows young Jody Baxter as he grows up on a small farm with his parents, Penny and Ora. Jody's life is filled with both hardship and wonder as he helps his family survive in the harsh wilderness. When Jody's father is bitten by a rattlesnake, he shoots a doe to use its liver as an antidote, leaving behind an orphaned fawn. Jody adopts the fawn, naming it Flag, and the two become inseparable companions.
As Jody matures alongside Flag, he faces the challenges of rural life, including conflicts with the neighboring Forrester family, dangerous wildlife, and the struggle to grow enough food. The novel explores Jody's relationships with his family, particularly his father Penny, who teaches him valuable lessons about nature and survival. Jody also forms a close friendship with Fodder-wing Forrester, a disabled boy who shares his love for animals.
The story takes a dramatic turn when a catastrophic flood hits the area, testing the Baxters' resilience. As Flag grows older, he begins to pose a threat to the family's crops, putting their very survival at risk. Jody's parents realize that Flag must be dealt with, forcing Jody to confront the harsh realities of adulthood and the difficult choices that come with it.
In a heart-wrenching climax, Jody is ordered to shoot Flag but cannot bring himself to do it. When his mother wounds the deer, Jody is forced to end Flag's suffering. Devastated, he runs away from home, facing hunger and loneliness before ultimately returning. The novel concludes with Jody accepting his new responsibilities as he transitions into adulthood, forever changed by his experiences with Flag and the lessons learned from his family and the unforgiving Florida wilderness.
