1. The name Jody gives his red pony, like many of the names in the book, proves important. Why does Jody choose Gabilan, a Spanish name?

2. The red pony was bought at the bankruptcy sale of a traveling carnival. Why is this important?

3. When the red pony dies, who does Jody blame? What is the significance of his childish anger?

4. The second story also concerns death, but this time focuses on the death of an old man. What does Gitano's dignified death demonstrate to Jody?

5. In the third story, why is it important that the birth of Jody's colt causes the death of the faithful mare?