William Faulkner’s 1931 short story “The Bear” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the intricate connections between man, nature, and history. The story is set in an unnamed, rural town in Mississippi and centers around the turbulent relationship between three characters who strive to protect their respective ways of life: a grandfather, a hunter, and a young boy. By closely examining the characters’ interactions, Faulkner effectively conveys the interdependence of human society and the natural world.
The story is framed from the perspective of a young unnamed boy, who has recently lost both of his parents. His grandfather, Old Ben, is the leader of the local community. The story begins with the boy and his grandfather visiting a nearby bear hunting camp, in which a lone white hunter, Sam Fathers, instructs a young Choctaw hunter on the ancient traditions of hunting. In particular, Fathers is attempting to teach the younger hunter the ways of the bear—how to track and trap it, and most importantly, how to respect it.
The boy notices that his grandfather and Sam Fathers know each other and there is a special relationship between them. After the hunt, Old Ben and the boy stay in the camp and they discuss the history of the region—a history shaped by both the wildlife and the Native Americans. Eventually, the two travel to a related area known as The Pastures, which is home to a female bear, her two cubs, and a ghostly white bobcat.
As the story progresses, the boy begins to understand the complex relationship that exists between humans and the natural world. He appreciates the beauty of the landscape but also recognizes the danger of the animals in the area. Old Ben and Sam Fathers each hold a deep reverence for the bear, in different ways. Old Ben speaks of her with a sense of awe, while Sam Fathers shows respect for the animal by ultimately deciding to forgo killing her for the sake of preserving the ecosystem.
The story culminates with the boy’s realization of the importance of respecting nature. He is haunted by the spirit of the bear and understands that man, nature, and history are intertwined. At the end of the story, he reflects on his newfound understanding and is hopeful for the future. He knows that man must learn to strike a balance between exploiting nature and appreciating it.
William Faulkner’s “The Bear” is an emotional and thought-provoking story that examines the complexities of the relationship between man, nature, and history. The three characters serve as metaphors for the forces of man, nature, and history and Faulkner effectively displays their interdependence. By doing so, Faulkner not only highlights the beauty of the natural world, but also cautions against exploiting it. Through his characters’ dialogue and interactions, he conveys the message that man must yield to nature and show it the utmost respect.
