Summary

The short story “The Death of Tommy Grimes” by R.J. Meaddough, III presents Tommy, a white 12-year-old boy who is in the woods, hunting with his father. While waiting for his prey, Tommy remembers an event from last year when he failed to shoot a weasel which came into the hen-yard and killed 43 hens. Seeing his reluctance to shoot, Tommy’s father expressed his disappointment and told him that, although a man dies a little every time he kills, some animals are of no use and need to be killed, no matter what. 

After that incident, Tommy’s father taught him how to use a rifle, and Tommy became very good at it. The night before the hunt, Tommy’s father tells Tommy that he is going in the woods to shoot a young buck together with some men. When Tommy asks if he can come, the man fears that the boy might get hurt, but i...