Summary

In Chapter 4, deer season arrives. John considers the way his grandpa and other men approach deer hunting. Others think deer hunting makes them more a man because of the killing. Grandpa believes it is not about proving manhood, but simply having meat to live. The night before deer season officially begins, Grandpa watches as John disassembles, cleans, and reassembles his rifle. Grandpa suggests hunting down near the swamp early in the morning. He attempts to reassure John by saying he is merely taking a year off from hunting, but he will hunt again next year. When Grandpa sees Grandma crying, he says he has had enough of the sadness. He says what is happening to him happens to everyone sooner or later, and life must go on as normal. This upsets Grandma, so Grandpa apologizes for being so harsh. Grandpa again moves to reassure...