'My Bear' by Robert Service
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I never killed a bear because
I always thought them critters was
So kindo' cute;
Though round my shack they often came,
I'd raise my rifle and take aim,
But couldn't shoot.
Yet there was one full six-feet tall
Who came each night and gobbled all
The grub in sight;
On my pet garden truck he'd feast,
Until I thought I must at least
Give him a fight.
I put some corn mush in a pan;
He lapped it swiftly down and ran
With bruin glee;
A second day I did the same,
Again with eagerness he came
To gulp and flee.
The third day I mixed up a cross
Of mustard and tobasco sauce,
And ginger too,
Well spiced with pepper of cayenne,
Topped it with treacled mush, and then
Set out the brew.
He was a huge and husky chap;
I saw him shamble to the trap,
The dawn was dim.
He squatted down on his behind,
And through the cheese-cloth window-blind
I peeked at him.
I never saw a bear so glad;
A look of joy seraphic had
His visage brown;
He slavered, and without suspish-
- Ion hugged that horrid dish,
And swilled it down.
Just for a moment he was still,
Then he erupted loud and shrill
With frantic yell;
The picket fence he tried to vault;
He turned a double somersault,
And ran like hell.
I saw him leap into the lake,
As if a thirst of fire to slake,
And thrash up foam;
And then he sped along the shore,
And beat his breast with raucous roar,
And made for home.
I guess he told the folks back there
My homestead was taboo for bear
For since that day,
Although my pumpkins star the ground,
No other bear has come around,
Nor trace of bruin have I found,
- Well, let me pray!
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Bear by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, how can one not be thrilled by the timeless charm of Robert Service's "My Bear"? This classic poem, first published in 1916, captures the adventure, humor, and tenderness of a boy and his pet bear in the wilds of Canada. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of the poem, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
The Theme of Friendship and Nature
At its core, "My Bear" is a story about the bond between a boy and his bear. The boy, who remains unnamed, finds a bear cub in the forest, takes it home and raises it as his own. As they grow up together, they become inseparable companions, sharing their joys and struggles in the wilderness. The poem portrays a deep sense of connection and love between the boy and the bear, as they play, hunt, and explore the natural world around them.
The theme of friendship is intertwined with the theme of nature in "My Bear". The poem celebrates the beauty and power of the Canadian wilderness, with its glaciers, rivers, and majestic mountains. The boy and the bear are depicted as natural inhabitants of this environment, perfectly adapted to its challenges and opportunities. Their relationship with nature is respectful and harmonious, as they live off the land and embrace its wonders. Overall, the poem suggests that true friendship is rooted in a deep appreciation of the natural world, and that human and animal can find common ground in the great outdoors.
The Language of Fun and Affection
What makes "My Bear" such a joy to read is its playful and affectionate language. Robert Service was a master of rhyme and rhythm, and the poem is full of catchy phrases and clever wordplay. The opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its catchy refrain:
I like my bear a whole lot,
He's cuddly and he's tough;
He plays at games that I forgot,
And he's never mean or rough.
The use of the word "cuddly" to describe a bear, traditionally seen as a fierce and dangerous creature, is both unexpected and endearing. It immediately establishes the affectionate tone of the poem, and invites the reader to share in the boy's love for his unusual pet. Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid and evocative language to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the wilderness, from "the scent of pine and spruce" to "the clear blue sky above".
But perhaps the most memorable aspect of the poem's language is its humor. The boy's mischievous adventures with his bear provide ample opportunities for comic relief and satire. For example, in the second stanza, the boy describes how he taught the bear to eat porridge:
I showed him how to use a spoon,
And how to say "Yes, please."
He loves to eat it every noon,
And smacks his lips and sneezes.
The image of a bear using a spoon and saying "Yes, please" is both absurd and delightful, and it adds to the overall charm of the poem. Service's humor is never mean-spirited or cynical, but rather a celebration of the joy and spontaneity of childhood.
The Structure of Storytelling
Finally, it is worth considering the structure of "My Bear" as a work of storytelling. The poem is written in quatrains, with a regular ABAB rhyme scheme and a consistent meter. This gives the poem a sense of musicality and predictability, which mirrors the simple and straightforward narrative of the boy and the bear. Each stanza presents a new episode in their adventures, building up a cumulative picture of their life together.
At the same time, the poem is not without its surprises and twists. The climactic moment of the poem, when the boy and the bear are ambushed by hunters, is unexpected and dramatic. The abrupt shift from playful to serious underscores the precariousness of their relationship, and the vulnerability of the natural world. The final stanza, which reveals the boy's sadness at losing his bear, is poignant and bittersweet. It reminds us that even the closest friendships cannot last forever, and that nature can be both beautiful and cruel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "My Bear" is a delightful and meaningful poem that captures the spirit of childhood, friendship, and nature. Its themes of love and respect for animals and the environment remain as relevant today as they were a century ago. Robert Service's language and storytelling skills create a vivid and memorable picture of a boy and his bear, which continues to enchant readers of all ages. We can only be grateful for such a timeless gem of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Bear: A Poem That Captures the Wild Spirit of Nature
Robert Service's poem "My Bear" is a classic piece of literature that captures the wild spirit of nature in a way that few other works can. This poem is a celebration of the beauty and power of the natural world, and it is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals.
At its core, "My Bear" is a story about a man who encounters a bear in the wilderness. The man is initially afraid of the bear, but he soon realizes that the animal is not a threat. Instead, the bear becomes a companion to the man, and the two of them share a deep and meaningful connection.
The poem begins with the man stumbling upon the bear in the woods. The man is initially frightened by the bear's size and strength, but he soon realizes that the animal is not interested in harming him. Instead, the bear seems to be curious about the man, and the two of them begin to interact.
As the poem progresses, the man and the bear develop a close relationship. The man begins to see the bear as a friend and companion, and he even gives the animal a name: "Old Ephraim." The two of them spend their days exploring the wilderness together, and the man marvels at the bear's strength and grace.
One of the most striking things about "My Bear" is the way that it captures the beauty and power of the natural world. Service's descriptions of the wilderness are vivid and evocative, and they transport the reader to a world of rugged mountains, rushing rivers, and dense forests. The poem is a celebration of the majesty of nature, and it reminds us of the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
Another key theme of "My Bear" is the enduring bond between humans and animals. The man and the bear in the poem share a deep and meaningful connection, and their relationship is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding. The poem reminds us that animals are not just mindless creatures to be feared or hunted, but rather they are sentient beings with their own unique personalities and emotions.
Overall, "My Bear" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the wild spirit of nature in a way that few other works can. It is a celebration of the beauty and power of the natural world, and it is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals. If you have not yet read this classic piece of literature, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a work that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and it is a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
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