Regarding the first question: it can be noted that Eric has a higher level of sensitivity compared to Josh in their tolerance of violence and morbidity: "Josh was using the coon carcass as a tug toy, locked in a battle with the pup" versus "One glimpse of fluffy ringed tail and bloody, popped eyeballs was enough. Eric focused his attention ahead, on Junior and Rosie." We can guess that Josh developed learned behaviors from Junior, his father, who displays an indifference to the killing of animals, both wild and domestic, as shown by his intention to kill the pup Rosie because she abandoned the hunt and was therefore regarded by Junior as a "worthless piece of shit." Whereas at this same occasion, we see Grandpap showing a level of consideration for Eric's feelings by refusing to let the pup be killed in front of Eric, knowing he would be traumatized by such an event.
As an author, I don't engineer scenes based on principles of psychology. I write them as they unfold in my head with characters who are fleshed out in my imagination with backstories and baggage that never make it to the page. It is very rewarding for me to see the things I write hold up under scrutiny and analysis of human nature in general. Like any reader, I can also go back to these scenes and take them apart instance by instance, and feel very gratified when my character motivations bear out.
I did, however, write part about Grandpap protecting Eric from witnessing the brutal murder of an animal as a very deliberate plot device. As the story unfolds, we see ugliness in the Blevins household that makes it necessary to establish a sympathetic element in Grandpap or the reader will never understand why Eric is so loyal to him for so long. I am very, very grateful to you, Michel, for bringing this into the forefront of discussion.
Good point Michel -"we see Grandpap showing a level of consideration for Eric's feelings by refusing to let the pup be killed in front of Eric" even though he also says "Let it be" when Rosie is abused and dumped, i.e., don't even try to save her, Eric; that would be meddling. Good point too, Rhonda, that even the meanest SOBs must have a few redeeming virtues. :) If we could just keep Grandpap from getting drunk....
Yep, if we could just keep half of Appalachia from getting drunk, high, whatever....