# XIII explained — Bambi

> Chapter companion for Bambi by Felix Salten.

## What happens

Bambi takes Faline to the clearing where he last met the old stag, hoping to introduce her. Faline becomes hysterical with fear at the sight of the stag, and Bambi struggles with his own terror and admiration. He attempts to approach the stag but is paralyzed by awe and insecurity. The stag, equally hesitant, decides not to speak and departs, leaving Bambi feeling humiliated and bitter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Danger

Both Bambi and Faline experience intense fear of the old stag, highlighting the theme of fear and the instinctual response to perceived danger.

### Solitude and Independence

The old stag's solitary and majestic demeanor, and his decision to walk away rather than engage, underscores the theme of solitude and independence.

### Growth and Maturation

Bambi's internal struggle to assert himself and his desire to overcome his fear reflect his ongoing growth and maturation.

## Character check-ins

### Bambi

Bambi tries to overcome his fear of the old stag and assert himself, but is left feeling inadequate and humiliated.

### Faline

Faline is terrified of the old stag, shrieking and bleating uncontrollably, and eventually runs away.

### the old Prince

The old stag appears majestic and aloof, but internally hesitates to speak with Bambi, ultimately walking away.

## Key lines

> “Maybe we’ll meet him again,” he said. “I’d like you to see him.”

Bambi suggests they might encounter the old stag again and expresses a wish for Faline to meet him.

_Bambi's hopeful anticipation sets the stage for the encounter._

> “Don’t be so terribly upset, beloved,” Bambi pleaded. “It’s ridiculous to be so frightened by him. After all he’s one of our own family.”

Bambi tries to calm Faline by pointing out that the stag is a fellow deer and not a threat.

_Bambi attempts to rationalize fear and comfort his companion._

> “I’m going anyway,” answered Bambi. The stag who was feasting so calmly, not paying the slightest attention to the weeping Faline, seemed altogether too haughty to him.

Bambi decides to approach the stag, feeling offended by the stag's apparent indifference to Faline's distress.

_Bambi's pride motivates him to confront the stag._

> “What a haughty look,” thought Bambi. “It’s unbearable, the opinion such people have of themselves.”

Bambi interprets the stag's distant gaze as arrogance and self-importance.

_Bambi's perception of the stag reflects his own insecurity._

> “Well, some other time, perhaps,” the stag decided and walked off, dissatisfied but majestic.

The old stag resolves to leave, feeling dissatisfied but maintaining his dignified bearing.

_The stag's internal hesitation mirrors Bambi's, leading to a missed connection._

## Links

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