Essay Questions

How does Marjorie develop the theme of loneliness in the novel The Yearnings?

Throughout the novel, the author focuses on the loneliness of Ora and Jody. Ora has no friends and does not have a good relationship with her family. Ora is haunted by the death of her first five children before Jody was born. In particular, Ora hates everything, including Jody, pets and neighbours. Whenever Jody suggests he needs a pet, his mother gets angry. On the hand, despite Jody having a close relationship with his father, he is sad and lonely. Jody wants a companion because he is the only child. Jody requests his parents to bring him a pet to keep him company, but his mother always objects. Consequently, loneliness is one of the major themes explored by Marjorie Rawlings in the novel The Yearning.

What is the main conflict between the Baxter family and the Forrester family?

Baxter and Forrester's families are neighbours, but they are often involved in endless fights over the livestock and the farming land. When a bear attacks Baxter's livestock, Jody and his father attack the Forrester family for their negligence. Jody and her family are Christians but are frequently accused of being pretenders. For instance, Jody's mother dislikes all members of the Forrester family. According to Jody, Fodder-Wing comes from the Forrester family but is different because of his friendliness.

What is Jody’s biggest dilemma in the novel The Yearling?

When Jody becomes mature, he realizes that his pet flag has grown into a big bear animal that endangers the lives of the people dear to him. For instance, Bear attracts predators such as lions that can attack their family. In addition, Flag eats the corn crop the family relies on for the next winter. Therefore, Jody is forced to choose Flag or his family. Jody's parents ask him to kill Flag because he is causing more harm than good. Instead of killing Flag, Jody takes him into the wild and bids him goodbye.