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What themes are explored in The Yearling?

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In Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's novel, The Yearling, several key themes are explored:

Maturity and Understanding: The central theme revolves around the coming-of-age of the protagonist, Jody Baxter. His adoption of a fawn, Flag, and the subsequent tragedy of having to shoot the animal when it threatens the family's crops, forces Jody to confront difficult realities and gain a deeper understanding of his parents' challenging life and the sacrifices they make.1
Humanity's Relationship with Nature: The novel is set in the rugged backwoods of Florida, highlighting the often harsh and unforgiving relationship between humans and the natural world. Jody's deep connection with Flag illustrates the beauty and joy found in nature, while the necessity of protecting the family's livelihood underscores the conflict and difficult choices that arise.12