Questions About The Long Valley

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Answered Questions (2)

Along the same path as "What's the deal with The Red Pony?" - why is the Colt never mentioned again after Its birth?

Bill Jenkins These four parts are unrelated. They were written at different times for different magazines. They were later grouped together and given the title "Th…moreThese four parts are unrelated. They were written at different times for different magazines. They were later grouped together and given the title "The Red Pony".(less)

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What's the deal with The Red Pony? The first time I read the story, I felt like I had read the equine version of Old Yeller. But the final segment of the story, "Leader of the People," seems to indicate that Steinbeck is trying to say something about California, old and new. Should I simply read the four sections as vivid images of ranch life in California, or am I missing something bigger?

Bill Jenkins Yes, this is a good question. Steinbeck frequently is trying to tell us something however sometimes not. I felt that the character in the stories neve…moreYes, this is a good question. Steinbeck frequently is trying to tell us something however sometimes not. I felt that the character in the stories never learned anything but I did.(less)

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