How did Woody's early experiences shape his understanding of himself, the world and other people? Looking back on your own childhood, are there any specific experiences that shaped the person you became?

Despite the difficulty of his life journey, Woody stays resilient and determined. How did those experiences early on shape Woody's understanding of himself, the world and other people? Looking back on your own childhood, are there any specific experiences that shaped the person you became, such as events in your life or stories told to you by an older person?

From his young childhood, Woody loved animals and cared for them. His father saw the animals as a means to an end, not worthy of any more thought. He saw Woody as weak because he cared for the animals and their welfare. Understanding the animals allows Woody to know more about himself and about other humans--trying to treat them all with the same kind of respect and care. In looking back on my childhood, I see my mother's kindness to others as a lesson to me, and it is a lesson I have carried with me in my career as a professor in a community college and in my community at large--trying to be a friend to others and being compassionate and caring.

I think Woody had one idea, reinforced by the actions and words of his father, about how a man should behave. Old Man helped him see that there was more than one way to be a man. In spite of Woody’s poor relationship with his father, Woody definitely had his determination and drive. That determination kept his dad on the farm during the worst of times, believing that he would do better as soon as the rain came. Woody used this same determination to get east to Cuz, and again to make up his mind to get to California no matter what. He was also able to learn to rely on other people and be more honest. He was terrified of sharing his secret about the last days at the farm. I think the giraffes helped him open up. His dad kept everything inside and was angry. Woody shared his burden and found a sense of freedom.

Woody had no confidence. He was abused as a child and did not have the guidance he needed to survive or carry forth in the world. His family robbed him of a loving caring start in life which would have had a big impact on Woody.

Woody's childhood role models especially his father's was not one of caring instead his father expected Woody to be rough and tough and do whatever it takes to survive. Even as a child Woody cared about animals and maybe this being his refuge allowed him to survive childhood. But also the difficult childhood did teach survival skills he needed even if he was not consciously aware that his father may have provided him with this. Then came the Old Man who provided a caring environment and one in which Woody would become the caring adult he wanted.

Parents play a big role in a child growing up, for good or bad. Woody’s father's views became what he had to overcome to truly love Boy and Girl. Or rather, loving them helped to change the view he had of animals from his father.

Woody didn't seem to expect much materially or emotionally because he had so little growing up. I believe he shut down after his mother died because he knew he would get no kindness or love whatsoever from his father. He didn't trust people as evidenced by his lies and inability to be forthright with the Old Man. He felt real affection for the giraffes because they accepted him totally as he was.