The Fire Pony book report

C recently completed his report on The Fire Pony by Rodman Philbrick. I gave him some questions to work with to help explore some of the themes in the story. See "Tabby Musings". Then I asked him to expand on one theme.

Explain how Joe Dilly's problems and good points create interest in the story. Include:
A quick summary of the story including setting, plot, and ending.
What are his problems?
How does his taking care of Roy add to the story.

We worked long and hard on this with much discussion. He did a great job on fitting some complex ideas together, and included an excellent summary.

In the story The Fire Pony an epic battle is being waged between the good and bad sides of the second- to-main character, Joe Dilly. Joe Dilly’s problems and good points make him an interesting and sympathetic character. The interesting thing about Joe Dilly is that you never know what he is going to do next.

In The Fire Pony, Roy and Joe Dilly who are fleeing from trouble about a fire back in Montana that Joe Dilly started, drive to the Bar None and are hired as farrier and stall cleaner. The owner Mr. Jessup came to the ranch and gave Roy a horse- so long as he could ride it. Then one night a huge mountain lion attacks and Roy tries to save his horse, but when Roy fails to save Lady Luck, Mr. Jessup shoots the cougar. At the same time, Joe Dilly does not like this relationship, because he is afraid that when they are recognized, he will not be able to get Roy out of there. Then Roy finds out that his new horse can run like greased lightning and decides to race her at the rodeo. He wins both races, but at the second race things go badly wrong. Mr. Mullins tries to push Roy off his horse, and after the race Joe Dilly tries to pull Mullins off his horse. The next day Joe Dilly sets fire to the Mullins ranch. By the time he gets back, even the Bar None is ablaze. He tells Roy’s pony that she must carry Roy to safety and makes her go.

Joe Dilly’s problems are that he drinks, he has a bad temper, he always runs away from his problems, and he does not have guidance. Joe Dilly’s good points are that he is protective of Roy, he saved Roy from the foster home, he helped Roy with the horserace, and he died to save Roy.

Joe Dilly’s problems and good points make the story interesting because it creates tension and makes you want to read on. If you are interested about stories about people with internal battles this story is perfect for you!