The Colt The Colt
The Colt is a story about the coming of age, a story of metamorphosis. The main character is a very dynamic character. He learns a harsh lesson in trust. He learns that, as there is a time for all sentiments, there is a time to stop trusting. The story leaps into the plot when it occurs to Bruce that he left his colt, Daisy, out to pasture unattended. Immediately, the cause of the barking dogs is put into perspective. This incident, symbolically, shows the youth and immaturity in Bruce. Bruce, after witnessing the horrid result of his error, tackles responsibility nobly. This is the beginning of Bruce's metamorphosis. He, at this point, is gradually becoming an adult merely by inviting such responsibility. Bruce does as well as he can tending to the injured colt; as well as anyone could expect. But, Bruce is soon confronted with the fact that he must leave the incompetent animal. Bruce takes comfort in his father's recommendation that the colt must be left with Enich. This is the second stage of Bruce's metamorphosis. Bruce faces the sad truth that he must leave his injured companion. The final stage in the metamorphosis, the coming of age, occurs when Bruce stands witness to the lifeless body of his colt on the side of the road. Bruce quietly accepts the gross injustice committed against him on his father's behalf. Thus, Bruce completes the lesson. Bruce's affair is not unusual and is demonstrated beautifully in short story. The author commandeers the heart of the reader, then crushes it. The reader shares in Bruce's grief and is reminded of harsh reality. The most troubling aspect of the story is that Bruce's betrayal was exercised by his father. When Bruce hears his father say, "For Christ's sakes, I thought he was going to take it out of town" (253), the reader is overwhelmed with compassion. The only evidence offered that Bruce is, indeed, a dynamic character is the quiet acceptance of the situation on Bruce's behalf. By this, the reader is to assume that Bruce identifies the significance of the event.
