6. This is Jody’s Fawn - Class 8 - Honeydew
- BhashaLab
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read

📘 This is Jody’s Fawn - Notes
Author: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Textbook: Honeydew
Genre: Fiction (Prose)
📝 Summary
In this heartwarming story, a young boy named Jody reflects on a fawn whose mother, a doe, was killed by his father to save his life after a snake bite. The doe's liver and heart were used as a home remedy to draw out the venom. Jody is concerned about the helpless fawn left in the forest without its mother. Moved by guilt and compassion, he convinces his father, Penny, to let him go and search for the fawn. With Mill-wheel's help, Jody returns to the forest, finds the fawn, and carefully carries it home. Along the way, he experiences a deep emotional connection with the animal, feeling responsible and joyful. He takes the fawn into the house and feeds it milk with his fingers, nurturing it like a parent. The story beautifully explores themes of responsibility, empathy, and a child's bond with nature. Jody’s sensitivity and maturity reflect a strong moral compass, showing his willingness to correct a wrong and care for a life that was affected by his family’s actions.
👤 Character Sketch:
Jody
Jody is a sensitive, kind-hearted, and responsible boy. Even at a young age, he shows a strong sense of morality and empathy. He does not forget the sacrifice of the doe and feels it is his duty to care for the orphaned fawn. His deep connection with nature, his maturity in handling the situation, and his emotional intelligence make him a remarkable character and a role model for young readers.
📚 Themes
Theme | Description |
Compassion and Empathy | Jody's care for the fawn highlights human empathy towards animals. |
Responsibility and Guilt | Jody feels responsible for the fawn after its mother was killed. |
Man and Nature | The story shows a strong relationship between humans and the natural world. |
Growing Up | Jody shows maturity by taking responsibility and making a moral choice. |
✨ Literary Devices
Device | Example | Effect |
Imagery | “He stroked its sides as gently as though…” | Helps readers visualize the bond between Jody and the fawn. |
Simile | “...as though the fawn were a china deer…” | Emphasizes Jody's gentleness and care. |
Personification | “Old Death has gone thieving elsewhere.” | Adds drama and personality to abstract concepts. |
Symbolism | The fawn | Symbolizes innocence, responsibility, and life. |
Dialogue | Conversations between Jody, his parents, and Mill-wheel | Reveals characters’ emotions and drives the plot forward. |
📖 Title Justification
The title “This is Jody’s Fawn” is significant because it highlights the emotional and moral journey of the protagonist, Jody. The fawn, initially a helpless creature orphaned by human action, becomes Jody's responsibility. By choosing to care for it, Jody not only finds a companion but also redeems the act of killing the doe. The possessive “Jody’s” in the title symbolizes both the fawn’s new beginning and Jody’s growth in empathy and maturity.
✅ One-Mark Questions
What happened to Jody’s father?
→ He was bitten by a rattlesnake.
How did the doe save Penny's life?
→ Its liver and heart were used to draw out the poison.
Why did Jody want to bring the fawn home?
→ Because it was left alone and helpless after its mother died.
What made Jody believe the fawn was male?
→ The spots on its body were in a line, which his father said is a male trait.
How did Jody feed the fawn?
→ He dipped his fingers in milk and let the fawn suck them.
✅ Three-Mark Questions
Why did Jody feel it was his responsibility to take care of the fawn?
→ Jody believed it was unfair to let the fawn starve since his family had killed its mother. He felt responsible and wanted to correct the wrong by taking care of the orphaned creature.
How did Mill-wheel support Jody in his decision?
→ Mill-wheel not only agreed to take Jody back to the forest but also offered to help find the fawn. His presence showed adult approval and encouragement of Jody’s compassionate act.
Describe the moment Jody found the fawn.
→ Jody was overwhelmed with emotion when he found the fawn. He approached it gently, spoke softly, and carefully held it in his arms, feeling deep joy and connection.
🧠 Value-Based Question
Q: What lesson does the story "This is Jody’s Fawn" teach us about kindness and responsibility?
→ The story teaches that true kindness involves taking responsibility for one's actions, even if they were necessary. Jody’s decision to care for the fawn shows how compassion can heal, restore balance, and develop character. It inspires readers to respect all forms of life and act with empathy
End
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