Unwillingness to Take the Mill Wheel

Jody, the protagonist of the novel "The Yearling" by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, was initially unwilling to take the mill wheel with him for various reasons. Jody, a young boy living in rural Florida during the late 1800s, had a deep attachment to nature and a strong sense of responsibility towards his family.

Nature as a Source of Joy and Solace
Jody found solace and joy in the natural world around him. He spent a significant amount of time exploring the wilderness, hunting, and connecting with various animals. The mill wheel, on the other hand, represented a domesticated object that would tie him down and limit his opportunities to roam freely in nature. Jody cherished his freedom and was reluctant to sacrifice it for the sake of a material possession.

Reluctance to Take on Adult Responsibilities
Jody was still a young boy and had not yet fully embraced the responsibilities of adulthood. The mill wheel symbolized the burden of growing up and taking on adult responsibilities. Jody was apprehensive about assuming such responsibilities as he feared they might restrict him from engaging in the activities he loved. Additionally, he had witnessed the toll that hard work had taken on his father, Penny Baxter, and was wary of following in his footsteps.

Emotional Attachment to the Fawn
Jody had formed a deep emotional bond with a young deer, whom he named Flag. The fawn had become his constant companion and source of comfort. Jody's attachment to Flag made him hesitant to leave the fawn alone while he went to fetch the mill wheel. He considered the fawn's safety and well-being a top priority, which further contributed to his unwillingness to take the mill wheel with him.

Conclusion
Jody's unwillingness to take the mill wheel with him stemmed from his deep connection to nature, his reluctance to take on adult responsibilities, and his emotional attachment to the fawn. These factors combined to create a sense of apprehension and hesitation within Jody, making him reluctant to give up his freedom and take on the burden of the mill wheel.