The Bear

In order to demonstrate humanity's great desire to tame nature, Faulkner describes how the group of hunters along with Isaac chases after Old Ben, the legendary bear, and attempts to kill him year after year. Their continuous attempts illustrates how passionate men are to control their natural surrounding, and they will not stop until accomplishing it despite disastrous consequences. These hunters finally accomplish their goal and triumph over nature when Boon kills Old Ben. However, during the process, they lost many dogs including Boon’s favorite hound, Lion, and Sam Fathers. A greater consequence presents itself at the end when Boon shoots Isaac in an attempt to protect his possessions, the squirrels. This tragic ending emphasizes that humanity’s desire to control and possess everything in life will lead humans to turn against one another as commonly seen in the history of wars and slavery.