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Chapter 12
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Little Britches, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Fathers, Sons, and Growing Up
Honesty and Pride
Work and Society
Community, Resources, and Conflict
Home and the American West
Summary
Analysis
A few weeks after the Two Dog incident, Ralph’s parents discuss buying a cow at a local auction. Ralph’s father allows him to accompany them, as his work at Fred’s earned part of the money for the cow. At the auction, Fred convinces Ralph’s father to buy two cows instead of one, offering to help Ralph’s father feed his horses with his extra alfalfa. Ralph’s father goes to consult with his mother while Ralph looks at horses. After the auction concludes, everyone has a big lunch, which consists of a huge roasted calf plus milk and pastry treats.
At the local auction, Fred Aultland proves his unwavering loyalty and friendship to Ralph’s father, giving him valuable advice about purchasing of new livestock. When Ralph’s father resists his advice, Fred sweetens the deal even further, offering him free feed for his animals if he goes forward with the deal. This showcases Fred’s generosity and selfless commitment to helping Ralph’s family.
Themes
The horse auction begins, and Ralph and his parents note how much money the horses are going for. Ralph’s parents discuss finances, and Fred takes Ralph to use the bathroom. Ralph sees Fred slip a silver dollar to the auction-runner and when the cow auction begins, the two cows Ralph’s parents want to buy are not brought until the end. Only Mrs. Corcoran has money left to spend on them, but Fred steps on her feet to distract her from the bidding and Mr. White ends the auction before she can offer more money. Ralph’s parents buy both cows for around $26, far cheaper than the other cows went for. On the way home, Ralph’s mother admits she spent too much on home items, but Ralph’s father laughs it off.
Again, Fred shows his loyalty to the Moody family, secretly bribing the auctioneer to get them the best deal on cows. Through his efforts, which also includes stepping on Mrs. Corcoran’s feet as she tries to outbid Ralph’s father, Ralph’s family walks away with two of the best cows for a fraction of their normal selling price. This illustrates not only Fred’s generosity, but also his cunning: knowing Ralph’s father would never accept charity, he does it all behind his back.
Themes
