This is the story’s most visceral passage. Andy watches her father cut into the doe:
Kaplan is the author of two acclaimed short story collections: Comfort (1987) and Skating in the Dark (1991), as well as a novel and influential guides on the craft of writing, such as Revision: A Creative Approach to Writing and Rewriting Fiction . His work is often categorized as "dirty realism" or "magic realism," blending keen observations of everyday life with moments of profound, often unsettling, psychological insight. "Doe Season," first published in his 1987 collection, perfectly exemplifies his ability to transform a simple, realistic scenario into a deeply resonant exploration of human identity.
Lost and terrified, Andy imagines her mother walking into the ocean: Doe Season By David Michael Kaplan Full Text
The story centers around Andy, a 13-year-old boy who accompanies his uncle, Daddie, on a hunting trip in the woods. Andy's family is of Portuguese descent, and his uncle is a rugged, traditional figure who values masculinity and the hunt. As they venture into the woods, they come across a doe and her fawn, which Daddie decides to hunt. However, Andy is hesitant and conflicted about the idea of killing the animals.
Mac loves his daughter, but he expresses love through shared activity—specifically, hunting. He is not cruel, but he is blind. He believes he is giving Andy a gift: competence, wilderness knowledge, toughness. But the gift is a weapon she does not want to wield. The story asks: Can love be violent even when it is gentle? This is the story’s most visceral passage
Kaplan writes with spare, precise prose. The winter woods are “cold as a metal spoon,” the doe’s eye “large and dark and wet.” He doesn’t over-explain Andy’s emotions; instead, he renders them through physical sensation—the ache of cold feet, the smell of gun oil, the sudden, shocking warmth of blood on bare hands.
Now, assuming you either have the text in front of you or plan to acquire it, let’s explore why this story has remained so vital for nearly 40 years. "Doe Season," first published in his 1987 collection,
To fully appreciate "Doe Season," it is helpful to understand its author. David Michael Kaplan was born in New York City in 1946. He graduated from Yale University (BA, 1967) and later earned his MFA from the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa (1987). He is a professor emeritus of English at Loyola University Chicago, where he directed the Creative Writing Program for many years.
"Doe Season" by David Michael Kaplan is a rich and nuanced short story that explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and coming of age. Through Andie's journey, the narrative offers a thoughtful and compassionate portrayal of adolescence, highlighting the complexities and challenges of growing up. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the story, its themes, characters, and symbolism, making it an excellent resource for readers, students, and educators.
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The story's themes of identity, family, and human relationships continue to resonate with readers today, making "Doe Season" a timeless and enduring work of American literature.