What is the central conflict in "Where the Red Fern Grows" and its resolution?

The resolution of the main conflict that leads to the story's ending has to do with man versus nature.  Specifically, the climax of the novel occurs when, after many adventures, each a bit more dangerous than the next, Billy and his dogs take on their most dangerous, and ultimately their last journey together and it is resolved when the treed mountain lion nearly kills Billy.  Little Ann comes through with only a non-fatal wound to her shoulder, but Old Dan cannot be saved; the theme of the love of a boy and his dogs is demonstrated in the most poignant way, as Old Dan essentially gives his life to save Billy. 

Although the two novels are very different in many ways, the final journey of Billy and his dogs always reminds me a little of Scout and Jem's journey home at the end of "To Kill A Mockingbird".  In "Mockingbird," of course, the antagonist is a drunk townsperson, rather than a wild animal (although readers of "Mockingbird" might argue that Bob Ewell was not far from being a wild animal himself).  However, Scout and Jem's adventures through the summers lead the the climactic encounter with Bob, and Scout's ultimate coming of age as she discovers the truth about Boo Radley, much as Billy's coming of age occurs as he deals with the loss of his dog and experiences comfort through the red fern. 

What is the "central idea" in Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls?

Every piece of literature has a "central idea" which the author wants to share, and in literature this is often called the "theme." The eNotes link (attached below) defines "theme" this way:

Theme - the central and dominating idea in a literary work.... In addition, the term means a message or moral implicit in any work of art.

When reading a novel or short story, you will find that you can often express the main idea of the selection in a sentence or two; that is the "theme" or "central idea." It may be helpful to think about the most important thing about the book that you would explain to someone else about the piece of writing; that is generally the "theme" or "central idea."

In Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, the central idea centers around the love and friendship Billy shares with his beloved dogs. It could be expressed in many ways, both simple and complex, such as the following:

• Both Billy and his dogs display tremendous determination throughout this novel. (example below)

I made a bargain with my dogs. I told them that if they would put one in a tree, I'd do the rest. Well, they fulfilled their part of the bargain. Now it's up to me to do my part, and I'm going to, Papa. I'm going to cut it down. I don't care if it takes me a year. 

• Loyalty and love are the two qualities which connect Billy and his dogs. (example below)

I figured the lion had scented my pups. The more I thought about anything harming them, the madder I got. I was ready to die for my dogs.

• Billy demonstrates perseverance as he saves to buy his dogs; in turn, Old Dan and Little Ann persevere through many trials with their young owner.

Each of these is a central idea (theme) which is applicable to this novel; you must determine what moral lesson or message you most connect to and write a central idea which reflects that. Notice that each of them has a slightly different focus, but all of them center around the relationship between the boy and his dogs. Whatever you see as being the most significant and powerful aspect of that relationship should probably be reflected in the central idea.

This principle is applicable to any work which delivers meaning, such as written work, music, and art. Finding the central idea or theme is just a matter of figuring out--as you read, listen, or look--what the primary message or moral of the selection is.