In the first chapter, Billy gazes at the cups on his mantle. One is small and silver, the other large and gold. What do these cups represent, and how do they foreshadow events regarding Old Dan and Little Ann?

 Compare the personalities of the two hounds. What are their respective strengths and weaknesses?

 When Billy goes to town, women giggle and point at him. He later refers to his sisters similarly. How does the perspective of a young boy influence how women are portrayed in the novel?