The full text is commonly available in anthologies, specifically in Kaplan's 1987 collection Comfort and academic databases. Share public link
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.
David Michael Kaplan’s " Doe Season " is a celebrated coming-of-age story following nine-year-old Andy, who confronts the harsh realities of mortality and gender identity during a Pennsylvania deer hunt. The narrative centers on her traumatic loss of innocence when she witnesses the violent killing of a doe, marking a shift from childhood freedom to adulthood. Doe Season By David Michael Kaplan Full Text
The story begins with Andie, a 13-year-old girl, preparing for a hunting trip with her father and uncle in the woods of Maine. Andie's excitement and nervousness are palpable as she packs her bag and says goodbye to her mother.
4.5/5 stars
It is a small story, barely twenty pages. But like the best short fiction, it leaves a wound that doesn’t close—a mark every bit as lasting as a hunter’s notch on a belt.
One of the central conflicts in the story revolves around Andy's struggle to connect with his father, Mac. A rugged outdoorsman, Mac takes Andy on a hunting trip, where they encounter a doe and her fawn. The event serves as a catalyst for Andy's coming-of-age, as he grapples with the complexities of masculinity, family, and his own identity. The full text is commonly available in anthologies,
" Doe Season " by David Michael Kaplan is a widely anthologized coming-of-age story about a young girl named Andy whose innocence is shattered during a hunting trip [1]. The 1985 story, which appeared in The Atlantic Monthly and the collection Comfort , explores themes of gender identity and the painful transition into adulthood as Andy confronts the reality of the hunt [1].
"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. He graduated from Yale University (BA, 1967) and
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