logo

43 pages 1 hour read

Jim Kjelgaard

Big Red

Jim KjelgaardFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1945

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Themes

Coming of Age and Personal Growth

The novel’s plot progression follows the protagonist Danny Pickett’s coming of age and personal growth. Since Big Red is written from the third-person limited point of view, the novel’s central conflicts and themes emerge from Danny’s experiences as he grows up. In Chapter 1, Danny is not sure of himself. He is afraid of Old Majesty, bashful around adults and strangers, and wary of voicing his opinions. However, the more challenges that he faces throughout the novel, the more mature he becomes. His adventures in the Wintapi wilderness, his experiences with Red, and his relationships with Ross and Mr. Haggin contribute to his character evolution.

Danny grows in maturity and confidence once he is entrusted with Red, as caring for the dog gives Danny new responsibilities and helps him feel more like an adult. Red gives Danny self-confidence: Danny begins to differentiate himself from his father by openly disagreeing with Ross’s training methods for dogs, deciding to do what he thinks is best for Red instead. As he navigates the Wintapi with Red and faces encounters with wild animals like the wolverine, Danny learns to be quick-thinking and self-reliant, developing his sense that he can thrive in the landscape even when he does not have another person there to support him.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 43 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,450+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools