Chapter Title: The Bear Story

Summary:

Introduction:

• A lady living in an old manor-house has a pet bear that she found in the forest when it was a cub.
• The bear, raised by the lady and the cook, has grown into a large and amiable creature.

Description of the Story:

1. Finding and Raising the Bear Cub:

   • The lady found the bear cub in the forest, hungry and helpless, and brought it up with the help of the old cook.
   • Over the years, the bear grew into a large and strong but gentle creature, raised as a pet in the manor-house.

2. The Amiable Nature of the Bear:

   • Despite his size, the bear is friendly and harmless, showing affection to everyone around him, including other animals and children.
   • He plays with the children, allows them to ride on his back, and interacts well with the other animals in the household.

3. The Bear’s Diet and Restrictions:

   • The bear is a vegetarian, enjoying vegetables, apples, and honey. He eats the same food as the dogs and shares their plate.
   • He has never tasted meat and avoids it. He is not allowed to climb apple trees or disturb beehives, having been punished for it in the past.

4. Being Chained Up:

   • The lady puts the bear on a chain at night and also on Sundays when she visits her sister.
   • This is done as a precaution to prevent him from wandering into the forest and encountering dangers or causing trouble.

5. Disobedience of the Bear:

   • One Sunday, while the lady is walking through the forest to her sister’s house, the bear disobeys and follows her.
   • Despite the lady’s anger and attempts to send him back, the bear continues to follow her, causing her frustration and annoyance.

6. The Bear’s Reaction and Consequences:

   • When the lady returns home, she scolds the bear and decides to chain him up for two more days as punishment.
   • However, the old cook defends the bear, stating that he behaved well in her absence and was eagerly waiting for her return.

Explanation of the Text:

• The story depicts the unique relationship between the lady and her pet bear, emphasizing the bear’s amiable nature despite his size and strength.
• It also highlights the challenges of keeping a wild animal as a pet and the need for precautions to ensure safety.

Discussion Points:

1. Unusual Pets:

   • Students can discuss other unusual pets that people keep, apart from dogs and cats, and explore the challenges and benefits of keeping such pets.

2. Fear of the Bear:

   • Discuss whether the second bear did not attack the lady because he was afraid of her. Students can explore the behavior of the bear and analyze whether fear was the reason for his actions.

Whose Side?:

• Students can discuss the dialogue between Abraham Lincoln and the woman during the American Civil War, exploring the deeper meaning behind Lincoln’s response and its relevance to ethical and moral considerations.