The Red Pony Disappointment Quotes
How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Nearly all of his father's presents were given with reservations which hampered their value somewhat. (1.21)
Early on, we learn that Jody is less than thrilled any time his father gives him a gift. Carl's presents aren't nearly as bad as getting a tie for your birthday, but they always have some lesson attached to them that makes Jody feel like they aren't really gifts at all.
Quote #2
Jody had wished it might not rain before Thanksgiving, but it did. (1.93)
Well of course he doesn't want it to rain. When it rains, you can't play with your pony outside. But all the wishes in the world can't stop the disappointing weather from arriving and ruining everything.
Quote #3
Billy Buck wasn't wrong about many things. He couldn't be. But he was wrong about the weather for that day, for a little after noon the clouds pushed over the hills and the rain began to pour down. (1.101)
What a huge bummer for our boy to experience smack dab in the middle of his school day. He's disappointed that his horse is in danger, and he's disappointed because Billy Buck proves not to be infallible after all.
Quote #4
Jody looked reproachfully at Billy Buck and Billy felt guilty.
"You said it wouldn't rain," Jody accused him.
Billy looked away. "It's hard to tell, this time of year," he said, but his excuse was lame. (1.104-1.106)
To be fair, you can't blame Billy for the weather. But Jody can blame him for being wrong. And Billy knows he screwed up, too. In this dialogue, it's clear he's totally disappointed in himself—not just because he failed, but also because he let Jody down.
Quote #5
Jody looked at the pony's face. The eyes were half closed and the lids thick and dry. In the eye corners a crust of hard mucus stuck. Gabilan's ears hung loosely sideways and his head was low. Jody put out his hand, but the pony did not move close to it. (1.123)
Poor Jody's still clinging to the hope that Gabilan can hang on. But if he really thinks that pony will pull through, well then he's in for a Big Bummer.
Quote #6
Words burst out of Jody's mouth. "But the pony died—"
"Don't you go blaming that on him," Carl said sternly. "If Billy can't save a horse, it can't be saved." (3.150-3.151)
The truth comes out. Billy really did disappoint Jody way back when he didn't save Gabilan, and that means Jody doesn't have much faith in the ranch hand to keep his new colt safe. In this case, his disappointment has far-reaching consequences.
Quote #7
Billy's face and arms and chest were dripping red. His body shivered and his teeth chattered. His voice was gone; he spoke in a throaty whisper. "There's your colt. I promised. And there it is. I had to do it—had to." […]
Jody stared stupidly at the wet, panting foal. (3.172-3.173)
For all the long months of waiting and waiting, Jody finally has the colt he has been promised. But at what cost? Billy has brutally sacrificed the mother, Nellie, which means what should be a joyous occasion is a total disaster. Jody can't be happy, because he's too horrified.
Quote #8
Billy looked up at the top of the hill that surrounded the ranch. "Maybe you'd better ask your father before you do it," he suggested.
"Well where is he? I'll ask him now."
"He rode up to the ridge after dinner. He'll be back pretty soon."
Jody slumped against the fence post. "I don't think he'd care." (4.10-4.13)
Jody slumps because he knows his dear old dad won't give a hoot what he does with his day. In asking Billy permission, he's hoping for a fatherly exchange. But Billy just refers him to his dad, which totally bums the kid out.
Quote #9
Grandfather looked sideways. "I'm trying to get right side up," he said gently. "I'm not being mad. I don't mind what you said, but it might be true, and I would mind that." (4.137)
After Grandfather overhears Carl trash talking him, his feelings are hurt. Once Carl realizes that Grandfather has overheard, his feelings are hurt, too. In other words, it's a big ol' mess, and everyone's disappointed in everyone else. Except Jody, who just tries to salvage the situation. Needless to say, he fails.