Poetry · Chapter
Bear and Falls explained
A thrilling tale of a massive eight-hundred-pound bear swimming down the Niagara River, three hunters pursuing it in a canoe, the bear climbing aboard, two hunters fleeing, and the remaining man being rescued just before the falls by his co
What happens
A thrilling tale of a massive eight-hundred-pound bear swimming down the Niagara River, three hunters pursuing it in a canoe, the bear climbing aboard, two hunters fleeing, and the remaining man being rescued just before the falls by his companions who shoot the bear.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Environment
The chapter vividly describes the Niagara River and the perilous falls, emphasizing the raw power of nature and the risks it poses to both humans and animals.
Mortality and Loss
The imminent danger of being swept over the falls or killed by the bear underscores the constant threat of death in the wilderness.
Characters to notice
- Big Bear
The eight-hundred-pound bear swimming down the Niagara River, climbs into the canoe and threatens the hunter.
- Bill Brown
One of the three hunters who jumps into the canoe to pursue the bear.
- Poor Tom
One of the three hunters, possibly the one left alone in the boat with the bear.
- Jack Smith
One of the three hunters, possibly the one left alone in the boat with the bear.
Key passages
“Strange incidents do happen ever On the famed Niagara river”
Unusual events frequently occur on the famous Niagara River.
Sets the stage for the extraordinary encounter between hunters and a bear on the river.
“A bear which weighed eight hundred pounds, Hunters they do him discover As he was swimming down the river.”
Hunters spot an eight-hundred-pound bear swimming downstream.
Introduces the massive bear and the hunters' discovery.
“Quick he scrambled o’er the boat side For to enjoy a good boat ride.”
The bear quickly climbs over the side of the canoe, seemingly wanting a ride.
Describes the bear's unexpected and dangerous boarding of the canoe.
“But his two friends so brave and true Row quick ’longside in a canoe, And fire in bruin leaden balls, Thus saving friend from bear and falls.”
The two brave friends row alongside in another canoe and shoot the bear with lead bullets, rescuing their companion from both the bear and the falls.
Climax of the story where the hunters save their friend by killing the bear just in time.