John Steinbeck's book "The Red Pony' is about a boy whose father gives him a red pony. The boy nurtures the pony and looks forward to the day that he can ride it. One day it rains and the boy asks the ranch hand, Billy, to get the horse out of the rain. He looks up to Billy and thinks that he can do anything. Billy does not bring the pony in and the pony becomes sick. After trying to save him the pony dies.
The first conflict is that the boy learns that adults don't always know everything.
After the pony is gone a new person comes to the ranch. He is an old man named Gitano. Gitano is of no use to Billy's father or the ranch hand. They resent his presence. in addition there is conflict between Billy and the man's culture. The man sees an old horse in the field. He is told that all the horse is good for is to eat and rest. Gitano is gone the next day and so is the old horse.
Jody's father sends the boy to mate one of his horses and promises him the pony. However, the pony is turned wrong. In order to save it the mare has to be killed. The boy takes on the responsibility to care for the pony.
Last the boy’s old grandfather comes to visit. He tells stories over and over again. No one likes to hear them but Jody. Jody looks after his grandfather with respect demonstrating he has matured.
The conflict in the story is the child boy has to come to terms with death as he matures.
Several conflicts include:
Life versus death.
Youth verses Old age.
Responsibility versus irresponsibility.
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