The Red Pony Study Guide

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck

The Red Pony is a novella in four parts about the youth and entrance into manhood of Jody Tiflin, son of a horse trainer. Jody's life is a strenuous one full of hardships and tough lessons, including the accidental death of his beloved pony which stands as a symbol of his entry into the sometimes violent, unpredictable, and frightening world of manhood. The stories explore themes of regret, aging, the fallibility of adults, and responsibility.