48 pages • 1 hour read
Father and I Were Ranchers
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Chapters 7-12Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 7 Summary: “I Become a Horseman”
While Ralph’s parents are discussing plans for the ranch, a cowboy named Hiram Beckham arrives, riding a blue roan horse. Both the horse and the cowboy immediately captivate Ralph. The cowboy introduces himself as “Hi.” Sensing Ralph’s fascination, Hi invites him for a ride, sharing tips on handling the horse along the way. Impressed by Ralph’s enthusiasm, Hi affectionately dubs him “Little Britches.” Ralph feels an instant connection with the horse and beams with pride when Hi praises his skills, advising him to think like he is a horse to become a better horseman.
Later, Ralph struggles to manage Fanny during a milk-fetching trip. As Fanny resists his commands, Ralph grows increasingly anxious. Determined to regain control, he attempts to ride her bareback, but the effort fails, causing him to spill the milk. When Ralph returns home, his mother is furious, and his father punishes him with a spanking. However, Ralph realizes that the guilt of his reckless behavior is more painful than the physical punishment.
Chapter 8 Summary: “I Become a Sort of Cowboy”
Ralph takes on more responsibility at the ranch during summer break, striving to be seen as a “real” cowboy. He grows confident in handling cattle, helping his neighbor Mrs. Corcoran with her cows, though the work is exhausting and challenging. With his father’s guidance, Ralph gathers and drives the cows back to the corral but often feels doubt in his abilities. That night at the ranch, Ralph and his mother debate whether feeding cows on Sundays is a sin.
Chapter 9 Summary: “Grace Tries It, Too”
Ralph grows increasingly comfortable riding Fanny, taking pride in his improving horsemanship. When Grace expresses a desire to ride Fanny as well, Ralph hesitates but eventually agrees on the condition that she won’t tell their mother.
Grace manages to mount Fanny, but it’s clear that she struggles with balance and control, gripping Fanny’s mane and nearly falling off several times. As Ralph watches, he’s unsure whether Grace’s awkwardness is due to a lack of skill or if she’s riding poorly on purpose. Despite her repeated slips, Grace refuses to give up and is determined to improve. Ralph finds himself admiring his sister’s determination.
Chapter 10 Summary: “My Friend Two Dog”
Ralph meets Two Dog, an elderly Indigenous American man who arrives at the ranch and lives with Mr. Thompson, a hunter and frontiersman, in the mountains. Fascinated by Two Dog’s rugged appearance and deep knowledge of horses, Ralph eagerly seeks his company. During Two Dog’s stay with Ralph’s family, the two develop a friendship, communicating through sign language as Ralph learns about Two Dog’s life and home. As Ralph continues his work around the ranch, their bond strengthens. Two Dog shares stories of Indigenous American tribes; Ralph admires his wisdom. When Mrs. Corcoran insults Two Dog by calling him “dirty,” Ralph quickly defends his friend.
Chapter 11 Summary: “Haying”
During the busy haying season, Fred Aultland hires Ralph and his father to work on his farm. Ralph relishes the hard work and responsibility, becoming particularly fascinated by the machinery—especially the bull-stacker. He often gets distracted from his other tasks to watch it in action. The farm is filled with activity as neighbors and hired hands work side by side. Ralph enjoys the camaraderie and sense of community during meal breaks, feeling proud to be part of the effort.
One day, tensions erupt when Ralph witnesses a fight between two workers. The confrontation is intense, with both men grappling for dominance. The raw violence both captivates and unsettles Ralph. After the work is done, Ralph receives payment for his efforts, feeling a deep sense of pride. However, his joy quickly fades upon returning home, where he finds their horse, Bill, gravely ill.
Chapter 12 Summary: “I Go After Two Dog”
Determined to save Bill, Ralph secretly sets off on Fanny to find Two Dog, convinced that he can help. As Ralph navigates the rugged terrain and steep hills, the pressure mounts with the fading daylight. At one point, he hears a terrifying howl—possibly a wolf. It sends chills down his spine. Despite his fear, Ralph pushes forward through the mountains, calling out for Two Dog.
Eventually, Ralph reaches Mr. Thompson’s house and is relieved to find Two Dog there. He quickly explains the situation, and Two Dog agrees to help. When Ralph returns home, exhausted, his father gently puts him to bed and kisses him on the forehead, a rare display of affection that Ralph can’t remember experiencing before. With Two Dog’s help, Bill begins to recover, and Ralph feels proud that his efforts made a difference.
Chapters 7-12 Analysis
Chapters 7-12 of Father and I Were Ranchers interweave the themes of The Importance of Self-Reliance and Integrity and The Impact of Environment on Character Development, which shape Ralph’s coming-of-age journey. The rugged landscape acts as both a setting and a formidable force that tests Ralph physically and mentally as he strives toward manhood. Hi, a cowboy who dubs Ralph “Little Britches,” becomes a catalyst for Ralph’s cowboy aspirations. Inspired by Hi’s advice to think like he is a horse, Ralph attempts to ride Fanny on his own but fails, spilling the milk. This humbling moment sets the tone for Ralph’s maturation as he learns lessons from the natural world. Ralph’s persistent efforts with Fanny reveal his eagerness to prove himself as a “real” cowboy, a journey marked by both bravery and recklessness. As he deepens his connection with ranch life, the unforgiving landscape begins to shape his decisions, reflecting the challenges of self-reliance. The novel further illustrates these themes in Chapter 12, when Ralph undertakes a perilous journey to find Two Dog to save his beloved horse, Bill. Ralph demonstrates a growing sense of responsibility and determination by navigating treacherous terrain, confronting his fears, and pushing forward despite uncertainty. His father’s rare display of affection after this ordeal, combined with Bill’s recovery, provides Ralph with a sense of pride, marking a pivotal moment in his transition from boyhood to manhood, a mark of the Bildungsroman genre.
Throughout these chapters, Ralph’s journey continues to develop The Importance of Self-Reliance and Integrity. In Chapter 9, he hesitantly allows his sister Grace to ride Fanny, even though he has doubts. Grace’s determination, despite her lack of skill, mirrors Ralph’s drive to prove himself. Whether he is working the fields, breaking in a stubborn horse, or braving the wilderness to save Bill, Ralph’s actions consistently reflect his father’s teachings: doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. This evolving moral compass is also evident when Ralph witnesses a violent fight at Fred Aultland’s farm. While he feels a certain draw to raw strength, he is also uncomfortable with the brutality, signaling his growing awareness of right and wrong. These experiences shape Ralph into a young man who is defined by strength, moral clarity, and a deep connection to the rugged environment that both challenges and nurtures him.
The theme of The Dynamics of Community in Rural Settings is central to Ralph’s development, as the Moody family depends heavily on their neighbors for both survival and growth. Fred Aultland’s ongoing support exemplifies the cooperative spirit of the rural community, offering not only material aid but also mentorship and camaraderie. Fred’s willingness to hire Ralph and his father during haying season gives Ralph a sense of responsibility, as he relishes the hard work and feels a deeper connection to those around him. The bustling farm atmosphere fosters a tangible sense of camaraderie, making Ralph feel like an integral part of the community. Ralph’s budding friendships with figures like Two Dog and Mr. Thompson in Chapters 10 and 12 further highlight the importance of mentorship and shared knowledge in rural life. Two Dog, in particular, has a significant influence on Ralph, teaching him to see horses as living beings rather than mere tools. This instills a sense of respect and humility in Ralph. Ralph’s admiration for Two Dog signals his openness to perspectives different from his own. His defense of Two Dog against Mrs. Corcoran, moreover, demonstrates his growing sense of loyalty and justice, tying back to thematic explorations of integrity and moral growth.
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