The Red
Pony,
by John Steinbeck
Chapter 2 “The Great
Mountains”
Characters
• Jody Tiflin
• Billy Buck
• Carl Tiflin
• Mrs. Tiflin
• Gitano
• Easter the Horse
Jody Tiflin
• Jody is now older both in age and
experience.
• He meets Gitano who is the complete
opposite of Carl Tiflin.
• Is very interested in the mountains and
what lies beyond.
• Notice the similarities between Jody and
Carl.
Billy Buck
• Is sympathetic towards Gitano.
• Plays a small role in this chapter.
Carl Tiflin
• Is not happy that Gitano has come to the
ranch.
• Continues with his strict mannerisms
• Carl is not interested in the mountains he
is interested in his ranch.
• Has a confrontation with Billy.
• Notice the similarities between Carl and
Jody.
Mrs. Tiflin
• Does not play a central role in this chapter.
Gitano
• Is an old paisano: a man of Mexican
and/or Native American descent
• Has come to the ranch.
• Symbolizes the past.
Symbols
•
•
•
•
Gitano
Old Easter
The rapier
The Mountains
Themes
•
•
•
•
Loss of Innocence
Life and Death
Father/Son Relationships
Circle of Life
Quiz
• Why do you think Carl Tiflin is not sympathetic
towards Gitano? What is the significance
between Old Easter and Gitano? Why did Gitano
take the horse with him to the mountains?