What goals is the author setting?

In context, John is challenged with the task of becoming a man before his time, it is a necessity.... a goal he needs to reach before his grandfather is no longer there to care for the family.

Two weeks before the novel begins, Grandpa is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He does not have long to live. When he is gone, John will become the man of the farm. Then, Grandma and the farm will depend on John.

It is for this reason that Grandpa decides John should take on more chores to prepare him for the eventual workload he will face. John does not mind the hard work, as he feels productive and accomplished when doing it. By ensuring John’s sense of responsibility around the farm, Grandpa helps John to come of age by making him aware of the realities of life, such as responsibility.

John’s hunting trip itself transforms John from a boy to a young man. John comes to gain a deeper respect and understanding of nature, and of life and death. John realizes he is a part of nature and that nature is to be used, but not abused. He learns that life and death are in a delicate balance. He also learns that death is a natural part of life that happens to everyone.