Bambi · Chapter
XXII explained
Bambi encounters the squirrel and the screech-owl, reflecting on the loss of the old oak tree to 'Him' and the wisdom of solitude taught by the old stag.
What happens
Bambi encounters the squirrel and the screech-owl, reflecting on the loss of the old oak tree to 'Him' and the wisdom of solitude taught by the old stag.
Themes in this chapter
Solitude and Independence
Bambi embraces the old stag's teaching that one must live alone to preserve oneself and attain wisdom.
Humanity as Destructive Force
The squirrel recounts how 'He' chopped down the old oak, causing grief and homelessness among the forest creatures.
Characters to notice
- Bambi
Wanders alone, reflects on the old stag's teachings about solitude, and interacts with the squirrel and screech-owl.
- the squirrel
Relates the story of the old oak being chopped down by 'Him' and expresses admiration for Bambi's antlers.
- the screech-owl
Attempts to frighten Bambi, but is soothed by Bambi's polite response; later feels slighted when Bambi departs silently.
- the old Prince
Referenced in Bambi's memories as the teacher of solitude and wisdom.
Key passages
“The tree groaned aloud when it was wounded. It kept on groaning and the tooth kept gnawing, it was dreadful to hear it. Then the poor beautiful tree fell out on the meadow. Everybody cried.”
The oak tree groaned in pain as the saw cut through it, and when it finally fell into the meadow, all the animals wept.
The squirrel's account of the tree's destruction emphasizes the violence of human intervention.
“You must live alone, if you wanted to preserve yourself, if you understood existence, if you wanted to attain wisdom, you had to live alone.”
To survive, understand life, and gain wisdom, one must live in solitude.
Bambi recalls the old stag's core teaching about the necessity of solitude.