comment on theme

Travis is fourteen-years-old when his father leaves on the cattle drive. His father feels that he is old enough to take care of the place and the family, but talks to Travis about all that he needs to do. After Papa leaves, Travis is certain that he can handle what comes his way. Throughout the novel, Travis deals with situations in the way he believes Papa would, or does a certain job like Papa has taught him in the past. By acting on what he has learned, Travis is able to provide and protect his family by chopping wood, chasing away the coons, shooting a deer for meat and marking the hogs. He expresses the confidence of youth. Becoming a man means proving your worth, and just like Old Yeller proves his worth to Travis by saving Little Arliss from the bear, Travis will prove his worth by saving his family from hydrophobia as well as providing for them.