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Chapter 3
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
Ralph’s mother and father get into an argument about horses. She asks why he doesn’t accept Fred Aultland’s offer to lend a horse, pointing out that they cannot buy their own until they have something to sell—which requires having horses. Ralph’s father promises to meet with Mr. Cash, a horse trader-peddler who often stops by their house. Mr. Cash comes by on Sunday and haggles with Ralph’s father. Ralph’s father ends up buying an old bay mare for $17.50, plus some accessories. Ralph’s mother names her Nancy Hanks because she walks so slow.
This argument between Ralph’s parents offers insight into the dynamics of their marriage. While Ralph’s father is the official head of household, earning the lion’s share of the family income, his mother wields significant influence over important family matters. As is the case here, when she sets her mind on something, there is little room for argument. Within days of their argument, Ralph’s father purchases Nancy.
Themes
On Monday, Ralph’s mother lets him wear his overalls and blue shirt to school. At recess, Ralph and Freddie fight again, though this time Freddie is backed up by Johnnie Alder, a large fifth grader. Thankfully, Willie Aldivote, the second-largest boy in school, joins the fight, taking Ralph’s side. Together, they beat up Freddie and Johnnie and at lunch, Ralph eats with Willie Aldivote and Rudolph Haas. Afterward, the boys teach Ralph how to ride the donkey, calling him “Spikes” in reference to Freddie’s claim that Ralph’s stomach feels like it’s “full of spikes.” Ralph realizes he won’t have to be “Molly” anymore. They strap his feet around the donkey, and Ralph manages to stay on while it bucks. Grace is proud of Ralph and promises not to tell their mother.
Ralph’s experience and reputation at school continues to improve. Not only is he now allowed to wear overalls like the other boys, but he finds a friend and ally in Willie Aldivote. Exemplifying his new status among the schoolchildren, Ralph sheds the nickname “Molly,” becoming “Spikes” instead— humorous a reference to Freddie’s excuse for why he can’t beat up Ralph.
Themes
Ralph lies to Grace and his mother, claiming his father told him to take Nancy Hanks to drag crossties (cross-sections of a railroad) from the gulch where Bill and Nig fell. After riding Willie’s donkey, he is confident he can handle the horse, but he soon realizes the job is harder than expected. Ralph returns home and confesses to his mother, who makes him stand in the corner of the house. When Ralph’s father arrives, he expresses his disappointment, telling Ralph that he damaged his character. Instead of spanking Ralph, Ralph’s father makes him drag the crossties home and wear his Buster Brown suit to school until he finishes. It takes Ralph two weeks, during which time Ralph reflects on the permanent damage done to his character.
Ralph, in his youth, is overly confident in his riding abilities after riding Willie’s donkey—but he discovers here that riding isn’t easy, and that lying isn’t going to save him. Instead of beating him, Ralph’s father devises a punishment to make Ralph reflect on the damage done to his character by lying. In doing so, Ralph’s father proves himself to be an effective and thoughtful disciplinarian, turning Ralph’s bad behavior into an opportunity for personal growth.
Themes
