The elements in common that hold these stories together so that they can be considered a book are characters, setting, and themes (SparkNotes). All four short stories are not very much connected tightly as the chapters in a book. Firstly, they stand on their own, where each section completing a thought. Secondly, the connections between all the sections are much rather loose, with no explanation of anything that has been left unsettled in the previous part of the story (SparkNotes). For instance, when Billy brought the pony in the third section of the story, the author did not say anything about Jody's reaction or the care of the pony in the final section as if the pony never existed in the final chapter of the book (SparkNotes). Another weakness, however, is that there is not much connection found between the four sections through which the reader gets a sense of continuation.

Conclusion

Steinbeck's work is tremendous. Like his longer novels (Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden) do more than narrating an summarize story, and leaves the reader pondering the true nature of humanity, and what it is to live in society as everyone knows it. In the same manner, his short stories also highlight the human condition, maybe less directly (SparkNotes). Overall, Steinbeck's works is profound and provocative; and also provide solid storylines. No doubt that Steinbeck is a true master, and a great American author who deserved recognition through the Nobel Prize for literature (SparkNotes).

In contrast to most novels for young adults this book is much different because the author John Steinbeck...

Benson offers a comprehensive look into the life of Steinbeck.
French, Warren. "Steinbeck, John," in Reference Guide to American Literature, 3d ed.

Edited by Jim Kamp. 1994.

Hill, Cherry. The Formative Years: Raising and Training the Young Horse. Breakthrough Publishing, 1988.

This definitive study of what it takes to raise a colt provides the information required to take on this task.

Review of Novels & Stories, 1932-1937, in Library Journal, November 1, 1994.

While creating the novel, Steinbeck kept a daily journal of his accomplishments and his frustrations. For an insider's look into the mind of an author, this book provides not only interesting background material for the novel but also a lesson for would-be writers.

SparkNotes: The Red Pony by John Steinbeck. www.sparknotes.com

Monkey Notes Study Guide Summary -- the Red Pony by John Steinbeck.

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The Red Pony by John Steinbeck