Mama takes on the traditional roles of wives and mothers during this time period, but she is also portrayed as being patient, strong, and capable. I also really loved his mother in this story. His brother, Little Arliss, is such a little rascal! Sometimes you feel annoyed with him because, well, he’s annoying! But it’s in such a classic “little sibling” way that you can’t help but laugh, and his antics really are pretty funny sometimes. He was surly and tried so hard to act grown up… However, the reader really gets to understand him better as the story goes on, and he grows a lot and learns how to balance his responsibilities while still leaving a soft spot in his heart for those he loves most. When you love someone, don’t let them suffer.Ĭharacter Development: I grew to really love Travis and Old Yeller and the relationship that they formed.

“It’s a thing of your mind,” he said, “and you can train your mind to handle it just like you can train your arm to throw a rock.” But can Travis do the same for Old Yeller? Book Reviewīut Papa had told me right from the start that fear was a right and natural feeling for anybody, and nothing to be ashamed of. Strong and courageous, Old Yeller proved that he could protect Travis’s family from any sort of danger. But he sure was clever, and a smart dog could be a big help on the wild Texas frontier, especially with Papa away on a long cattle drive up to Abilene.

The stray dog was ugly, and a thieving rascal, too. At first, Travis couldn’t stand the sight of Old Yeller.

Old yeller book