Why is it so important for Billy to chop down the big sycamore tree?
Why is it so important for Billy to chop down the big sycamore tree? This tree symbolizes Billy's last step from boyhood to manhood, as only by chopping it down can he fulfill his promise to his dogs and capture his first coon. Very important to the symbolism is the fact that Billy first sets about cutting down the tree with the axe his father gave him, which is too small.
Why was it so important to Billy to cut down the large sycamore tree that his dogs had chased the raccoon to?
He is determined to cut it down, because he told his dogs that if they could tree a coon he would take care of the rest. His dogs are counting on him. His parents bring him food. His grandfather shows him how to make a scarecrow, to keep the coon in the tree so he can go home and eat dinner.