# IV explained — Bambi

> Chapter companion for Bambi by Felix Salten.

## What happens

Bambi and his friends Gobo and Faline discuss the meaning of danger, then encounter their fathers for the first time, an awe-inspiring meeting that leaves Bambi longing to grow up and become like his handsome father.

## Themes in this chapter

### Growth and Maturation

Bambi's encounter with his father and his mother's promise that he will one day be as strong and handsome fuels his desire to grow up.

### Fear and Danger

The children's fearful discussion about the meaning of danger highlights their early awareness of threats.

### The Unknowable and Mystery

The fathers' distant, silent behavior and the mystery surrounding their presence perplex Bambi and deepen the sense of the unknown.

## Character check-ins

### Bambi

Curious about danger, awestruck by his father, and hopeful about his future.

### Gobo

Joins the discussion about danger and is timidly awed by the fathers.

### Faline

Defines danger as 'what you run away from' and admires the stags.

### Mother

Guides Bambi through his questions about the fathers and reassures him.

### the Hare

Greets Bambi politely and is described as suave and prudent.

### the old Prince

Passes by in silent splendor, leaving Bambi entranced.

## Key lines

> Suddenly Faline cried out loudly and joyfully, 'I know what danger is—it’s what you run away from.'

Faline suddenly declared that danger is simply something you flee from.

_Faline's childlike definition of danger._

> Aunt Ena said solemnly, 'Those were your fathers.'

Aunt Ena told the children that the two stags were their fathers.

_Reveals the identity of the majestic stags._

> 'If you live, my son, if you are cunning and don’t run into danger, you’ll be as strong and handsome as your father is sometime, and you’ll have antlers like his, too.'

Bambi's mother promised that if he survives and avoids danger, he will grow up to be as strong and handsome as his father, with antlers like his.

_Mother's reassurance and vision for Bambi's future._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bambi_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bambi_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bambi_se/chapters