“Jody’s Fawn”- Get here Glossary of Word meanings and Para Wise Explanation of the Class 8 NCERT English book “Honeydew”. Click here for question and answers of this lesson.
Jody’s Fawn is a touching story about a boy named Jody and his empathetic feelings towards a young fawn left abandoned in the forest. When a snake bites Jody’s father, he kills a doe to save him. He uses the heart and liver for drawing out the poison. However, the loss of that doe and thoughts about the fawn do not leave his mind. He thinks about it a lot and feels that abandoning him in the woods was not right. So, he convinces his family to let him raise the fawn. Everyone finally agrees and goes to the forest to find the fawn. On searching, he finally finds it and brings it home. Now, the fawn is safe and is being fed by Jody happily.
Summary of “This is Jody’s Fawn”
- Introduction: “This is Jody’s Fawn” is a touching story from the Class 8 English Main Coursebook – Honeydew¹. It’s an extract from a story written by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings¹.
- Jody’s Character: Jody is a little boy with a sensitive mind and a pure heart¹. His empathetic feelings towards a young fawn left abandoned in the forest form the crux of the story¹.
- Incident Leading to the Fawn’s Abandonment: A rattlesnake bites Jody’s father. To save him, Jody kills a doe to use its heart and liver to draw out the poison¹. Unfortunately, this leaves the doe’s fawn alone in the forest¹.
- Jody’s Regret and Decision: Jody feels dejected for killing the fawn’s mother and leaving it alone in the forest¹. He decides to bring the fawn home¹.
- Convincing His Parents: Jody discusses his decision with his parents. His father initially hesitates, but Jody convinces him that it’s their responsibility to care for the fawn since they killed the doe¹. Jody’s mother initially surprises but finally agrees to let Jody bring the fawn home¹.
- Bringing the Fawn Home: Jody promises to feed the fawn his portion of milk and take care of it¹. He then goes to the forest, finds the fawn, and brings it home¹.
- Conclusion: The story highlights moral values such as justice, compassion, care, and affection as reflected in human and animal life⁴. It teaches us about human consciousness and how sensitive little children with their pure hearts and loving nature can bring a change in somebody’s life².
Para Wise Glossary & Explanation
Para 1. Jody allowed his thoughts to drift back to the fawn. He could not keep it out of his mind. He had held it, in his dreams, in his arms. He slipped from the table and went to his father’s bedside. Penny lay at rest. His eyes were open and clear, but the pupils were still dark and dilated. Jody said, “How are you feeling, Pa?” “Just fine, son. O1d Death has gone thieving elsewhere. But wasn’t it a close shave!” “I agree.” Penny said, “I’m proud of you, boy, the way you kept your head and did what was needed.”
Glossary:
- Allowed his thoughts to drift back to the fawn:
- Allowed his thoughts: Gave himself permission to think or reflect on a particular subject.
- Drift back to the fawn: Returned in his mind to the image or memory of the fawn.
- Could not keep it out of his mind:
- Could not keep: Was unable to prevent.
- Out of his mind: Refers to not being able to forget or stop thinking about something.
- Held it, in his dreams, in his arms:
- Held it: Imagined or envisioned.
- In his dreams: During his sleep or in his subconscious mind.
- In his arms: Embraced or held close.
- Slipped from the table:
- Slipped: Moved quietly or unobtrusively.
- From the table: Moved away from the table.
- Went to his father’s bedside:
- Went to: Moved towards or approached.
- Father’s bedside: The area next to where his father was lying, typically near the bed.
- Penny lay at rest:
- Penny: The name of the character.
- Lay at rest: Was in a state of relaxation or repose, possibly asleep.
- His eyes were open and clear, but the pupils were still dark and dilated:
- Eyes were open and clear: His eyes were not closed, and he seemed awake and alert.
- Pupils were still dark and dilated: The dark center part of the eyes (pupils) remained wide and enlarged.
- “How are you feeling, Pa?”:
- How are you feeling: Inquiring about his father’s well-being or health.
- Pa: Informal term for father.
- “Just fine, son. Old Death has gone thieving elsewhere. But wasn’t it a close shave!”:
- Just fine: Feeling well or okay.
- Old Death has gone thieving elsewhere: A metaphorical expression suggesting that the threat of death has passed or moved away.
- Close shave: A narrow escape from a dangerous or risky situation.
- “I’m proud of you, boy, the way you kept your head and did what was needed.”:
- I’m proud of you: Expressing admiration and satisfaction for the actions or behavior.
- Boy: A term of affection or familiarity.
- Kept your head: Stayed calm and composed.
- Did what was needed: Took necessary actions in a challenging situation.
Para 2.“Pa-” “Yes, son.” “Pa, do you recollect the doe and the fawn?” “I can never forget them. The poor doe saved me, that’s certain.” “Pa, the fawn may be out there yet. It might be hungry and very scared.” “I suppose so.” “Pa, I’m a big boy now and don’t need to drink milk. Why don’t I go and see if I can find the fawn?” “And bring it here?” “And raise it.” Penny lay quiet, staring at the ceiling. “Boy, you’ve got me hemmed in.” “It won’t take much to raise it, Pa. It’ll soon start eating leaves and acorns.” “You are smarter than boys of your age.” “We took its mother, and it wasn’t to blame.” “Surely it seems ungrateful to leave it to starve. Son, I can’t say ‘No’ to you. I never thought I’d live to see another day.”
Glossary:
- “Pa-”
- Pa: Informal term for father.
- “Yes, son.”
- Son: Term of address from a father to his male child.
- “Pa, do you recollect the doe and the fawn?”
- Do you recollect: Do you remember or recall.
- Doe: A female deer.
- Fawn: A young deer.
- “I can never forget them. The poor doe saved me, that’s certain.”
- I can never forget: Expressing a lasting memory.
- The poor doe saved me: Referring to the female deer’s role in saving the speaker.
- “Pa, the fawn may be out there yet. It might be hungry and very scared.”
- The fawn may be out there: Implies the possibility that the young deer is still in the vicinity.
- Hungry and very scared: Describing the potential state of the fawn.
- “I suppose so.”
- I suppose so: Indicating agreement or acknowledgment.
- “Pa, I’m a big boy now and don’t need to drink milk. Why don’t I go and see if I can find the fawn?”
- I’m a big boy now: Asserting maturity or independence.
- Don’t need to drink milk: Symbolic of growing up.
- Why don’t I go and see: Expressing a willingness to take action.
- “And bring it here?”
- And bring it here: Confirming the intention to bring the fawn back to their location.
- “And raise it.”
- And raise it: Suggesting the desire to care for and nurture the fawn.
- Penny lay quiet, staring at the ceiling.
- Penny: The name of the father.
- Lay quiet: Resting in silence.
- “Boy, you’ve got me hemmed in.”
- Boy: Term of address, possibly expressing a mix of affection and mild frustration.
- Hemmed in: Feeling trapped or constrained.
- “It won’t take much to raise it, Pa. It’ll soon start eating leaves and acorns.”
- It won’t take much: Suggesting that raising the fawn won’t be difficult.
- It’ll soon start eating leaves and acorns: Describing the fawn’s developmental stages and dietary habits.
- “You are smarter than boys of your age.”
- You are smarter than: Complimenting the son’s intelligence.
- Boys of your age: Comparing him favorably to others his age.
- “We took its mother, and it wasn’t to blame.”
- We took its mother: Referring to the earlier event involving the mother deer.
- It wasn’t to blame: Emphasizing that the fawn is not responsible for its mother’s fate.
- “Surely it seems ungrateful to leave it to starve. Son, I can’t say ‘No’ to you. I never thought I’d live to see another day.”
- Surely it seems ungrateful: Expressing a sense of moral responsibility.
- Leave it to starve: Alluding to the potential fate of the fawn.
- Son: Term of address.
- I can’t say ‘No’ to you: Indicating the difficulty of refusing the son’s request.
- I never thought I’d live to see another day: Possibly expressing surprise or gratitude for having the opportunity to witness another day of life.
Para 3.“Can I ride back with Mill-wheel and see if I can find it?” “Tell your Ma I said you can go.” He sidled back to the table and sat down. His mother was pouring coffee for everyone. He said, “Ma, Pa says I can go bring back the fawn.” She held the coffee pot in mid-air. “What fawn?” “The fawn belonging to the doe we killed. We used the doe’s liver to draw out the poison and save Pa.” She gasped. “Well, for pity sake—” “Pa says it would be ungrateful to leave it to starve.” Doc Wilson said, “That’s right, Ma’am. Nothing in the world comes quite free. The boy’s right and his daddy’s right.” Mill-wheel said, “He can ride back with me. I’ll help him find it.” She set down the pot helplessly. “Well, if you’ll give it your milk—we’ve got nothing else to feed it.” Mill-wheel said, “Come on, boy. We’ve got to get riding.” Ma Baxter asked anxiously, “You’ll not be gone long?” Jody said, “I’ll be back before dinner for sure. ” Mill-wheel mounted his horse and pulled Jody up behind him. He said to Mill-wheel, “Do you think the fawn’s still there? Will you help me find him?” “We’ll find him if he’s alive. How you know it’s a he?” “The spots were all in a line. On a doe-fawn, Pa says the spots are every which way…”
Glossary:
- “Can I ride back with Mill-wheel and see if I can find it?”
- Can I ride back: Asking for permission to return.
- Mill-wheel: Likely a person’s name or a nickname.
- See if I can find it: Expressing the intention to search for something.
- “Tell your Ma I said you can go.”
- Tell your Ma: Instructing the person to inform their mother.
- I said you can go: Confirming permission to go.
- He sidled back to the table and sat down. His mother was pouring coffee for everyone.
- Sidled back: Moved quietly or cautiously.
- Pouring coffee for everyone: Engaged in the action of serving coffee to those present.
- “Ma, Pa says I can go bring back the fawn.”
- Ma: Informal term for mother.
- Pa: Informal term for father.
- Bring back the fawn: Expressing the purpose of the journey, to retrieve the young deer.
- She held the coffee pot in mid-air. “What fawn?”
- Held the coffee pot in mid-air: Paused in surprise or shock.
- What fawn: Expressing confusion or lack of knowledge about the fawn.
- “The fawn belonging to the doe we killed. We used the doe’s liver to draw out the poison and save Pa.”
- Belonging to the doe we killed: Referring to the mother deer they previously killed.
- Used the doe’s liver: Describing a specific use of the doe’s organs for medical purposes.
- Draw out the poison: Extracted toxins to save someone, in this case, Pa.
- She gasped. “Well, for pity sake—”
- Gasped: Reacted with surprise or shock.
- For pity sake: An expression of surprise, exasperation, or disbelief.
- “Pa says it would be ungrateful to leave it to starve.”
- Pa says: Referring to the father’s opinion or decision.
- It would be ungrateful: Describing the moral reasoning behind not abandoning the fawn.
- Doc Wilson said, “That’s right, Ma’am. Nothing in the world comes quite free. The boy’s right and his daddy’s right.”
- Doc Wilson: Likely a character’s name or title.
- That’s right, Ma’am: Confirming the correctness of the decision.
- Nothing in the world comes quite free: Implying that actions have consequences or responsibilities.
- The boy’s right and his daddy’s right: Supporting the decision made by the boy and his father.
- Mill-wheel said, “He can ride back with me. I’ll help him find it.”
- He can ride back with me: Confirming assistance in the journey.
- I’ll help him find it: Offering support in locating the fawn.
- She set down the pot helplessly. “Well, if you’ll give it your milk—we’ve got nothing else to feed it.”
- Set down the pot helplessly: Placed the coffee pot down with a sense of resignation.
- If you’ll give it your milk: Condition for agreeing to care for the fawn.
- We’ve got nothing else to feed it: Expressing a lack of alternative food options.
- Mill-wheel said, “Come on, boy. We’ve got to get riding.”
- Come on, boy: Encouraging the boy to join.
- We’ve got to get riding: Emphasizing the need to start the journey.
- Ma Baxter asked anxiously, “You’ll not be gone long?”
- Ma Baxter: Referring to the mother character by her full or last name.
- Anxiously: Showing concern or worry.
- You’ll not be gone long: Inquiring about the expected duration of the absence.
- Jody said, “I’ll be back before dinner for sure.”
- Jody: The name of the boy.
- I’ll be back before dinner: Assuring a timely return.
- Mill-wheel mounted his horse and pulled Jody up behind him. He said to Mill-wheel, “Do you think the fawn’s still there? Will you help me find him?”
- Mill-wheel mounted his horse: Getting on the horse.
- Pulled Jody up behind him: Assisting the boy in getting on the horse behind him.
- Do you think the fawn’s still there: Inquiring about the likelihood of the fawn still being in the area.
- Will you help me find him: Requesting assistance in locating the fawn.
- “We’ll find him if he’s alive. How you know it’s a he?”
- We’ll find him if he’s alive: Expressing determination to locate the fawn if it is still alive.
- How you know it’s a he: Asking about the boy’s knowledge of the fawn’s gender.
- “The spots were all in a line. On a doe-fawn, Pa says the spots are every which way…”
- The spots were all in a line: Describing a characteristic pattern on the fawn.
- On a doe-fawn: Indicating the type of fawn.
- Pa says the spots are every which way: Referring to the father’s explanation of the spot pattern on a female fawn.
Para 4. Jody gave himself over to thoughts of the fawn. They passed the abandoned clearing. He said, “Cut to the north, Mill-wheel. It was up here that Pa got bitten by the snake and killed the doe and I saw the fawn.” Suddenly Jody was unwilling to have Mill-wheel with him. If the fawn was dead, or could not be found, he could not have his disappointment seen. And if the fawn was there, the meeting would be so lovely and so secret that he could not endure to share it. He said, “It’s not far now, but the scrub is very thick for a horse. I can make it on foot.” “But I’m afraid to leave you, boy. Suppose you got lost or got bitten by the snake, too?” “I’ll take care. It might take me a long time to find the fawn, if he’s wandered. Leave me off right here.” “All right, but you take it easy now. You know north here, and east?” “There, and there. That tall pine makes a bearing.” “So long.” “So long, Mill-wheel. I’m obliged.”
Glossary:
- Jody gave himself over to thoughts of the fawn:
- Gave himself over to: Fully immersed or surrendered to.
- Thoughts of the fawn: Concentrating on and reflecting on the fawn.
- They passed the abandoned clearing:
- They passed: Moved beyond or went by.
- Abandoned clearing: An area that had been left empty or deserted.
- “Cut to the north, Mill-wheel. It was up here that Pa got bitten by the snake and killed the doe, and I saw the fawn.”
- Cut to the north: Change direction toward the north.
- Mill-wheel: The person accompanying Jody.
- Pa got bitten by the snake: Referring to a previous incident involving Jody’s father.
- Killed the doe: Describing a past event where the mother deer was killed.
- I saw the fawn: Indicating Jody’s personal observation of the fawn.
- Suddenly Jody was unwilling to have Mill-wheel with him. If the fawn was dead, or could not be found, he could not have his disappointment seen. And if the fawn was there, the meeting would be so lovely and so secret that he could not endure to share it.
- Suddenly: Abruptly or unexpectedly.
- Unwilling to have Mill-wheel with him: Hesitant or reluctant to be accompanied by Mill-wheel.
- If the fawn was dead, or could not be found: Contemplating the possible outcomes of the search.
- Could not have his disappointment seen: Preferring not to show his disappointment to others.
- If the fawn was there, the meeting would be so lovely and so secret: Imagining a positive and private encounter with the fawn.
- Could not endure to share it: Unwilling to share the experience with someone else.
- “It’s not far now, but the scrub is very thick for a horse. I can make it on foot.”
- It’s not far now: Indicating a short distance remaining in the journey.
- The scrub is very thick for a horse: Describing dense vegetation that may be challenging for a horse to navigate.
- I can make it on foot: Expressing the decision to continue the journey on foot.
- “But I’m afraid to leave you, boy. Suppose you got lost or got bitten by the snake, too?”
- But I’m afraid to leave you: Expressing concern about Jody’s well-being.
- Suppose you got lost or got bitten by the snake, too? Considering potential risks and dangers.
- “I’ll take care. It might take me a long time to find the fawn if he’s wandered. Leave me off right here.”
- I’ll take care: Assuring Mill-wheel that he will be cautious.
- Might take me a long time to find the fawn: Acknowledging the uncertainty of the search duration.
- If he’s wandered: Referring to the possibility that the fawn has moved away.
- Leave me off right here: Asking Mill-wheel to drop him off at that specific location.
- “All right, but you take it easy now. You know north here, and east?”
- All right: Agreeing to Jody’s request.
- You take it easy now: Advising Jody to be careful.
- You know north here, and east?: Confirming Jody’s knowledge of directions in that area.
- “There, and there. That tall pine makes a bearing.”
- There, and there: Pointing out specific directions.
- That tall pine makes a bearing: Using a prominent landmark (tall pine) as a reference point for navigation.
- “So long.”
- So long: A casual way of saying goodbye.
- “So long, Mill-wheel. I’m obliged.”
- So long, Mill-wheel: Repeating the farewell.
- I’m obliged: Expressing gratitude or thanks.
Para 5. He waited for the sound of the hooves to end, then cut to the right. The scrub was still. Only his own crackling of twigs sounded across the silence. He wondered for an instant if he had mistaken his direction. Then a buzzard rose in front of him and flapped into the air. He came into the clearing under the oaks. Buzzards sat in a circle around the carcass of the doe. They turned their heads on their long scrawny necks and hissed at him. He threw his bough at them and they flew into an adjacent tree. The sand showed large cat prints but the big cats killed fresh, and they had left the doe to the carrion birds. He parted the grass at the place where he had seen the fawn. It did not seem possible that it was only yesterday. The fawn was not there. He circled the clearing. There was no sound, no sign. The buzzards clacked their wings, impatient to return to their business. He returned to the spot where the fawn had emerged and dropped on all fours, studying the sand for the small hoof prints. The night’s rain had washed away all tracks except those of cat and buzzards.
Glossary:
- “He waited for the sound of the hooves to end, then cut to the right.”
- Waited for the sound of the hooves to end: Waiting for the noise created by the hooves (possibly Mill-wheel’s horse) to subside.
- Cut to the right: Changing direction to the right.
- “The scrub was still. Only his own crackling of twigs sounded across the silence.”
- The scrub was still: The vegetation or underbrush was quiet or motionless.
- Crackling of twigs sounded across the silence: The only audible noise was the sound of twigs breaking, likely caused by the protagonist’s movement.
- “He wondered for an instant if he had mistaken his direction.”
- Wondered if he had mistaken his direction: Questioning whether he might have taken the wrong path or route.
- “Then a buzzard rose in front of him and flapped into the air.”
- Buzzard: A type of bird of prey.
- Rose in front of him: Lifted off the ground and flew upward.
- Flapped into the air: Moved its wings to ascend.
- “He came into the clearing under the oaks.”
- Came into the clearing: Entered an open area.
- Under the oaks: Beneath oak trees.
- “Buzzards sat in a circle around the carcass of the doe. They turned their heads on their long scrawny necks and hissed at him.”
- Buzzards sat in a circle: Vultures positioned themselves in a circular arrangement.
- Carcass of the doe: The dead body of the female deer.
- Turned their heads on their long scrawny necks: Rotated their heads on their thin and elongated necks.
- Hissed at him: Made a hissing sound, possibly as a warning or defensive response.
- “He threw his bough at them, and they flew into an adjacent tree.”
- Threw his bough at them: Tossed a tree branch towards the buzzards.
- They flew into an adjacent tree: The buzzards moved to a nearby tree in response to the disturbance.
- “The sand showed large cat prints, but the big cats killed fresh, and they had left the doe to the carrion birds.”
- The sand showed large cat prints: There were visible paw prints in the sand, likely from a large cat.
- Big cats killed fresh: Suggesting that larger felines had recently hunted and killed.
- Left the doe to the carrion birds: The big cats did not consume the carcass of the female deer, allowing scavengers like buzzards (carrion birds) to feed on it.
- “He parted the grass at the place where he had seen the fawn. It did not seem possible that it was only yesterday.”
- Parted the grass: Moved aside the vegetation to access a particular area.
- Where he had seen the fawn: Referring to the spot where he observed the young deer.
- It did not seem possible that it was only yesterday: Expressing a sense of disbelief that a short time has passed since the previous day.
- “The fawn was not there. He circled the clearing. There was no sound, no sign.”
- The fawn was not there: The young deer was not present at the expected location.
- He circled the clearing: Walked around the open space.
- No sound, no sign: Indicating an absence of auditory or visual clues regarding the fawn’s presence.
- “The buzzards clacked their wings, impatient to return to their business.”
- The buzzards clacked their wings: The vultures made a sound by striking their wings together.
- Impatient to return to their business: Eager to resume their scavenging activities.
- “He returned to the spot where the fawn had emerged and dropped on all fours, studying the sand for the small hoof prints.”
- Returned to the spot where the fawn had emerged: Went back to the location where the young deer had appeared.
- Dropped on all fours: Adopted a posture on hands and knees.
- Studying the sand for the small hoof prints: Examining the ground for traces of the fawn’s small hoof marks.
- “The night’s rain had washed away all tracks except those of cat and buzzards.”
- The night’s rain had washed away all tracks: Rainfall during the night had erased most footprints.
- Except those of cat and buzzards: The prints of cats and buzzards remained visible despite the rain.
Para 6. Movement directly in front of him startled him so that he tumbled backward. The fawn lifted its face to his. It turned its head with a wide, wondering motion and shook him through with the stare of its liquid eyes. It was quivering. It made no effort to rise or run. Jody could not trust himself to move. He whispered, “It’s me.” The fawn lifted its nose, scenting him. He reached out one hand and laid it on the soft neck. The touch made him delirious. He moved forward on all fours until he was close beside it. He put his arms around its body. A light convulsion passed over it but it did not stir.
Glossary:
- “Movement directly in front of him startled him so that he tumbled backward.”
- Movement directly in front of him: Something moved right in front of the protagonist.
- Startled him: Surprised or frightened him.
- Tumbled backward: Fell backward abruptly.
- “The fawn lifted its face to his. It turned its head with a wide, wondering motion and shook him through with the stare of its liquid eyes.”
- The fawn lifted its face to his: The young deer raised its head toward him.
- Turned its head with a wide, wondering motion: Moved its head in a broad and curious manner.
- Shook him through with the stare of its liquid eyes: The gaze of its watery eyes deeply affected or moved him.
- “It was quivering. It made no effort to rise or run.”
- It was quivering: The fawn was trembling, possibly with fear or excitement.
- Made no effort to rise or run: Did not attempt to stand up or flee.
- “Jody could not trust himself to move.”
- Jody could not trust himself to move: The protagonist felt emotionally overwhelmed and hesitated to make any movements.
- “He whispered, ‘It’s me.'”
- He whispered: Spoke in a hushed or quiet voice.
- ‘It’s me’: Reassuring the fawn of his identity.
- “The fawn lifted its nose, scenting him.”
- The fawn lifted its nose: Raised its snout or muzzle.
- Scenting him: Smelling or detecting his scent.
- “He reached out one hand and laid it on the soft neck.”
- He reached out one hand: Extended his arm.
- Laid it on the soft neck: Placed his hand gently on the fawn’s tender neck.
- “The touch made him delirious.”
- The touch made him delirious: The physical contact overwhelmed him with emotion or excitement.
- “He moved forward on all fours until he was close beside it.”
- He moved forward on all fours: Advanced on hands and knees.
- Close beside it: Positioned near the fawn.
- “He put his arms around its body. A light convulsion passed over it but it did not stir.”
- He put his arms around its body: Embraced the fawn.
- A light convulsion passed over it: The fawn experienced a slight tremor or convulsion.
- But it did not stir: It did not move or react noticeably.
Para 7.He stroked its sides as gently as though the fawn were a china deer and he might break it. Its skin was very soft. It was sleek and clean and had a sweet scent of grass. He rose slowly and lifted the fawn from the ground. Its legs hung limply. They were surprisingly long and he had to hoist the fawn as high as possible under his arm. He was afraid that it might kick and bleat at sight and smell of its mother. He skirted the clearing and pushed his way into the thicket. It was difficult to fight through with his burden. The fawn’s legs caught in the bushes and he could not lift his own with freedom. He tried to shield its face from prickling vines. Its head bobbed with his stride. His heart thumped with the marvel of its acceptance of him. He reached the trail and walked as fast as he could until he came to the intersection with the road home. He stopped to rest and set the fawn down on its dangling legs. It wavered on them. It looked at him and bleated.
Glossary:
- “He stroked its sides as gently as though the fawn were a china deer and he might break it.”
- He stroked its sides: Caressed or touched the fawn’s sides.
- As gently as though the fawn were a china deer: With extreme care, treating the fawn delicately as if it were a fragile object like a porcelain deer.
- He might break it: Concerned about causing harm to the fawn.
- “Its skin was very soft. It was sleek and clean and had a sweet scent of grass.”
- Its skin was very soft: Describing the texture of the fawn’s skin.
- Sleek and clean: Smooth and well-groomed.
- Sweet scent of grass: Emitting a pleasant aroma reminiscent of grass.
- “He rose slowly and lifted the fawn from the ground. Its legs hung limply.”
- He rose slowly: Stood up gradually.
- Lifted the fawn from the ground: Picked the young deer up.
- Its legs hung limply: The fawn’s legs were relaxed and dangled down.
- “They were surprisingly long, and he had to hoist the fawn as high as possible under his arm.”
- They were surprisingly long: Referring to the length of the fawn’s legs.
- He had to hoist the fawn: Lifted the fawn.
- As high as possible under his arm: Raised the fawn under his arm to accommodate its long legs.
- “He was afraid that it might kick and bleat at sight and smell of its mother.”
- He was afraid: Experiencing fear or concern.
- Might kick and bleat: Apprehensive that the fawn could react by kicking and making noise.
- At sight and smell of its mother: In response to seeing or smelling its mother.
- “He skirted the clearing and pushed his way into the thicket. It was difficult to fight through with his burden.”
- He skirted the clearing: Moved around the open area.
- Pushed his way into the thicket: Forged through the dense vegetation.
- Difficult to fight through with his burden: Challenging to navigate with the fawn as a load.
- “The fawn’s legs caught in the bushes, and he could not lift his own with freedom.”
- The fawn’s legs caught in the bushes: The fawn’s legs became entangled in the vegetation.
- He could not lift his own with freedom: Restrained in his movements due to the entanglement.
- “He tried to shield its face from prickling vines. Its head bobbed with his stride.”
- He tried to shield its face: Attempted to protect the fawn’s face.
- From prickling vines: From vines with thorns or sharp points.
- Its head bobbed with his stride: The fawn’s head moved up and down with his walking motion.
- “His heart thumped with the marvel of its acceptance of him.”
- His heart thumped: His heart beat strongly.
- With the marvel of its acceptance of him: Overwhelmed by the wonder that the fawn accepted him.
- “He reached the trail and walked as fast as he could until he came to the intersection with the road home.”
- He reached the trail: Arrived at a path or track.
- Walked as fast as he could: Moved quickly.
- Intersection with the road home: The point where the trail meets the road leading home.
- “He stopped to rest and set the fawn down on its dangling legs. It wavered on them. It looked at him and bleated.”
- He stopped to rest: Took a break.
- Set the fawn down on its dangling legs: Placed the fawn on its legs.
- It wavered on them: The fawn swayed or moved unsteadily on its legs.
- It looked at him and bleated: The fawn made eye contact and emitted a bleating sound.
Para 8. He said, enchanted, “I’ll carry you after I get my breath.” He remembered his father saying that a fawn would follow if it had first been carried. He started away slowly. The fawn stared after him. He came back to it and stroked it and walked away again. It took a few wobbling steps toward him and cried piteously. It was willing to follow him. It belonged to him. It was his own. He was light-headed with his joy. He wanted to fondle it, to run and romp with it, to call to it to come to him. He dared not alarm it. He picked it up and carried it in front of him over his two arms. It seemed to him that he walked without effort.
Glossary:
- “He said, enchanted, ‘I’ll carry you after I get my breath.'”
- He said, enchanted: Uttered with fascination or delight.
- ‘I’ll carry you after I get my breath’: Expressing the intention to carry the fawn once he catches his breath.
- “He remembered his father saying that a fawn would follow if it had first been carried.”
- He remembered his father saying: Recalling advice or information given by his father.
- A fawn would follow if it had first been carried: Referring to the idea that a fawn might develop a bond and follow someone if it has been carried by them.
- “He started away slowly. The fawn stared after him.”
- He started away slowly: Began moving at a gradual pace.
- The fawn stared after him: The young deer gazed at him as he walked away.
- “He came back to it and stroked it and walked away again.”
- He came back to it: Returned to the fawn.
- Stroked it: Caressed or gently touched the fawn.
- Walked away again: Moved away once more.
- “It took a few wobbling steps toward him and cried piteously.”
- It took a few wobbling steps toward him: The fawn made unsteady or shaky movements toward him.
- Cried piteously: Emitting a pitiful or plaintive cry.
- “It was willing to follow him. It belonged to him. It was his own.”
- It was willing to follow him: The fawn showed a readiness to follow him.
- It belonged to him: The sense of ownership or connection with the fawn.
- It was his own: Emphasizing a personal and possessive connection.
- “He was light-headed with his joy.”
- He was light-headed: Overwhelmed or giddy.
- With his joy: Due to his intense happiness.
- “He wanted to fondle it, to run and romp with it, to call to it to come to him.”
- He wanted to fondle it: Desired to caress or touch the fawn affectionately.
- To run and romp with it: To engage in playful and joyful running and frolicking with the fawn.
- To call to it to come to him: Expressing a desire to call the fawn and have it come closer.
- “He dared not alarm it.”
- He dared not alarm it: He was cautious not to frighten or disturb the fawn.
- “He picked it up and carried it in front of him over his two arms.”
- He picked it up: Lifted the fawn.
- Carried it in front of him over his two arms: Held the fawn in a manner where it was positioned in front of him, supported by his two arms.
- “It seemed to him that he walked without effort.”
- It seemed to him: He perceived.
- That he walked without effort: It felt as if he was walking effortlessly, possibly due to the joy and light-headedness he experienced.
Para 9. His arms began to ache and he was forced to stop again. When he walked on, the fawn followed him at once. He allowed it to walk a little distance, then picked it up again. The distance home was nothing. He could have walked all day and into the night, carrying it and watching it follow. He was wet with sweat but a light breeze blew through the June morning, cooling him. The sky was as clear as spring water in a blue china cup. He came to the clearing. It was fresh and green after the night’s rain. He fumbled with the latch and was finally obliged to set down the fawn to manage it. Then, he had an idea — he would walk into the house, into Penny’s bedroom, with the fawn walking behind him. But at the steps, the fawn balked and refused to climb them. He picked it up and went to his father. Penny lay with closed eyes.
Glossary:
- “His arms began to ache, and he was forced to stop again.”
- His arms began to ache: He started feeling pain or discomfort in his arms.
- Forced to stop again: Compelled to halt his progress.
- “When he walked on, the fawn followed him at once. He allowed it to walk a little distance, then picked it up again.”
- The fawn followed him at once: The young deer quickly followed him as he resumed walking.
- He allowed it to walk a little distance: Permitted the fawn to walk a short distance on its own.
- Then picked it up again: Lifted the fawn once more.
- “The distance home was nothing. He could have walked all day and into the night, carrying it and watching it follow.”
- The distance home was nothing: The journey back home felt effortless or insignificant.
- He could have walked all day and into the night: Suggesting a willingness to continue walking for an extended period.
- Carrying it and watching it follow: Enjoying the experience of carrying the fawn and witnessing its companionship.
- “He was wet with sweat, but a light breeze blew through the June morning, cooling him.”
- He was wet with sweat: His body was covered in perspiration.
- A light breeze blew through the June morning: A gentle wind passed through, providing a cooling effect.
- “The sky was as clear as spring water in a blue china cup.”
- The sky was as clear as spring water: Describing the clarity of the sky.
- In a blue china cup: A simile comparing the color of the sky to the blue of a china cup.
- “He came to the clearing. It was fresh and green after the night’s rain.”
- He came to the clearing: Arrived at an open area.
- It was fresh and green after the night’s rain: Describing the clearing as vibrant and rejuvenated after the rain.
- “He fumbled with the latch and was finally obliged to set down the fawn to manage it.”
- He fumbled with the latch: He struggled or made clumsy movements with the latch.
- Finally obliged to set down the fawn to manage it: Ultimately, he had to place the fawn on the ground to handle the latch.
- “Then, he had an idea — he would walk into the house, into Penny’s bedroom, with the fawn walking behind him.”
- Then, he had an idea: A sudden thought occurred to him.
- He would walk into the house, into Penny’s bedroom: Expressing his plan to enter the house and go to his father’s bedroom.
- With the fawn walking behind him: Imagining the fawn following him into the house.
- “But at the steps, the fawn balked and refused to climb them. He picked it up and went to his father.”
- At the steps: At the staircase.
- The fawn balked and refused to climb them: The fawn hesitated and declined to ascend the steps.
- He picked it up and went to his father: He lifted the fawn and proceeded to his father.
- “Penny lay with closed eyes.”
- Penny lay: His father, Penny, was lying down.
- With closed eyes: His father’s eyes were shut or not open.
Para 10. Jody called, “Pa! Look!” Penny turned his head. Jody stood beside him, the fawn clutched hard against him. It seemed to Penny that the boy’s eyes were as bright as the fawn’s. He said, “I’m glad you found him.” Jody then went to the kitchen. The fawn wobbled after him. A pan of morning’s milk stood in the kitchen safe. The cream had risen on it. He skimmed the cream into a jug. He poured milk into a small gourd. He held it out to the fawn. It butted it suddenly, smelling the milk. He saved it precariously from spilling over the floor. It could make nothing of the milk in the gourd. He dipped his fingers in the milk and thrust them into the fawn’s soft wet mouth. It sucked greedily. When he withdrew them, it bleated frantically and butted him. He dipped his fingers again and as the fawn sucked, he lowered them slowly into the milk. The fawn blew and sucked and snorted. It stamped its small hoofs impatiently. As long as he held his fingers below the level of the milk, the fawn was content. It closed its eyes dreamily. It was ecstasy to feel its tongue against his hand. Its small tail flicked back and forth. The last of the milk vanished in a swirl of foam and gurgling.
Glossary:
- “Jody called, ‘Pa! Look!'”
- Jody called: Jody shouted or spoke loudly.
- ‘Pa! Look!’: Jody wanted his father, Penny, to see something.
- “Penny turned his head. Jody stood beside him, the fawn clutched hard against him.”
- Penny turned his head: Responded to Jody’s call by turning his head.
- Jody stood beside him: Jody was next to or near Penny.
- The fawn clutched hard against him: Jody held the fawn tightly against himself.
- “It seemed to Penny that the boy’s eyes were as bright as the fawn’s. He said, ‘I’m glad you found him.'”
- It seemed to Penny: Penny had the impression.
- The boy’s eyes were as bright as the fawn’s: Describing the brightness of Jody’s eyes, possibly filled with excitement.
- He said, ‘I’m glad you found him’: Penny expressed his happiness that Jody found the fawn.
- “Jody then went to the kitchen. The fawn wobbled after him.”
- Jody then went to the kitchen: Jody moved to the kitchen area.
- The fawn wobbled after him: The fawn followed Jody unsteadily, possibly due to its young age.
- “A pan of morning’s milk stood in the kitchen safe. The cream had risen on it.”
- A pan of morning’s milk stood in the kitchen safe: A container of milk was present in the kitchen.
- The cream had risen on it: The cream had separated and floated to the top.
- “He skimmed the cream into a jug. He poured milk into a small gourd.”
- He skimmed the cream into a jug: Jody removed the cream and placed it in a separate container.
- He poured milk into a small gourd: Jody filled a small gourd with milk.
- “He held it out to the fawn. It butted it suddenly, smelling the milk.”
- He held it out to the fawn: Jody offered the milk-filled gourd to the fawn.
- It butted it suddenly: The fawn bumped or nudged the gourd abruptly.
- Smelling the milk: The fawn was investigating the scent of the milk.
- “He saved it precariously from spilling over the floor.”
- He saved it precariously: Jody managed to prevent the spillage in a risky or uncertain manner.
- “It could make nothing of the milk in the gourd.”
- It could make nothing of the milk: The fawn didn’t understand what to do with the milk in the gourd.
- “He dipped his fingers in the milk and thrust them into the fawn’s soft wet mouth.”
- He dipped his fingers in the milk: Jody immersed his fingers in the milk.
- Thrust them into the fawn’s soft wet mouth: Jody placed his milk-coated fingers into the fawn’s mouth.
- “It sucked greedily. When he withdrew them, it bleated frantically and butted him.”
- It sucked greedily: The fawn eagerly sucked on Jody’s fingers.
- When he withdrew them: When Jody took his fingers out.
- It bleated frantically and butted him: The fawn emitted a distressed cry and nudged or bumped Jody.
- “He dipped his fingers again, and as the fawn sucked, he lowered them slowly into the milk.”
- He dipped his fingers again: Jody repeated the action of immersing his fingers in the milk.
- As the fawn sucked: While the fawn was sucking.
- He lowered them slowly into the milk: Jody gradually placed his fingers back into the milk.
- “The fawn blew and sucked and snorted. It stamped its small hoofs impatiently.”
- The fawn blew and sucked and snorted: Describing various sounds and actions made by the fawn while feeding.
- It stamped its small hoofs impatiently: The fawn tapped its small hooves on the ground in an eager or restless manner.
- “As long as he held his fingers below the level of the milk, the fawn was content.”
- As long as he held his fingers below the level of the milk: The fawn was satisfied as long as Jody kept his fingers submerged in the milk.
- “It closed its eyes dreamily. It was ecstasy to feel its tongue against his hand.”
- It closed its eyes dreamily: The fawn closed its eyes in a content or dreamlike state.
- It was ecstasy to feel its tongue against his hand: Jody found immense joy or pleasure in feeling the fawn’s tongue against his hand.
- “Its small tail flicked back and forth.”
- Its small tail flicked back and forth: Describing the movement of the fawn’s tail, possibly indicating contentment or excitement.
- “The last of the milk vanished in a swirl of foam and gurgling.”
- The last of the milk vanished: The remaining milk disappeared.
- In a swirl of foam and gurgling: Describing the visual and audible effects as the last of the milk was consumed.
