56 pages • 1 hour read
The Great Bear
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Part 4Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 4, Chapter 17 Summary
Morgan regains consciousness at a campsite after being knocked out by the Great Bear. Initially, she is in a dreamlike state, recalling a cherished memory of her mother singing to her. However, the painful reality of her situation soon becomes apparent. She is given medicine for her pain, which she reluctantly takes despite the discomfort it causes.
Upon waking up fully, Morgan finds herself in a makeshift camp with Mihko, Eli, and Ochek. Eli explains how he feared Morgan was dead and reveals that Muskwa, instead of harming her further, simply examined her and moved on. This behavior puzzles Morgan, who feels a connection with Muskwa based on her past experiences with him.
Despite their recent encounter with the bear, Morgan and Eli decide to accompany Mihko and Ochek to help a nearby village, Otakosík, which they believe Muskwa is headed toward. Morgan is initially resistant but eventually agrees, recognizing the potential to make a difference. The group sets out on their mission, determined to confront the Great Bear and, possibly, uncover the good Morgan believes exists within him.
Part 4, Chapter 18 Summary
The group hastily departs for Otakosík, carrying torches through the dark night, aiming to arrive before Muskwa. Crossing a familiar tree bridge over a canyon, Morgan and Eli recall past experiences, including a near-death moment for Morgan and the loss of Mahihkan; in The Barren Grounds, Mahihkan is a talking wolf who transforms from antagonist to friend, ultimately sacrificing himself to save Morgan’s, Eli’s, and Ochek’s lives. Despite the emotional weight of these memories, they press on, led by Mihko and Ochek.
As they traverse Mihko’s trapline, they bypass checking most traps due to the urgency of their mission, though they gather game animals from accessible ones. The collected food is not only for Misewa but also potentially for Otakosík, should it have already suffered Muskwa’s destruction.
Upon reaching a clearing and witnessing a beautiful sunrise, they realize it’s actually the glow of a fire in the distance, not the dawn. This ominous sign is soon confirmed when they hear a desperate call for help. Rushing toward the source, they encounter Arik, who is in a state of panic and distress. The realization hits them: The burning glow is Otakosík, already ablaze, indicating they are too late to prevent Muskwa’s destruction. Mihko solemnly acknowledges this grim reality.
Part 4, Chapter 19 Summary
Arik reports the devastation caused by Muskwa, the Great Bear, including ransacked longhouses and a terrified populace fleeing into the woods. Mihko insists on proceeding to Otakosík to assess the situation and provide help if possible. Upon arriving, they find Otakosík in ruins, with most structures destroyed by fire. Morgan is particularly affected by the loss of the village’s history, evident in the burning paintings on the longhouse walls. Mihko comforts her by emphasizing that their history lives on through oral traditions and is safeguarded by knowledge keepers.
Mihko proposes a bold idea: Instead of fleeing or hiding, they should confront Muskwa and protect Misewa from similar devastation. This marks a significant shift from the village’s usual approach of evasion. Morgan, though exhausted and in pain, is ready to stand up for Misewa, seeing this as a crucial moment in their history and her journey. The group, united in their resolve, heads back to Misewa to prepare for a confrontation with the Great Bear.
Part 4, Chapter 20 Summary
The group, led by a determined Mihko, makes a swift and relentless journey through the southern woods toward Misewa, intending to arrive before Muskwa does. Morgan reflects on her disappointment in Muskwa for causing fear and chaos despite knowing he will change in the future. Arik, walking alongside Morgan and Eli, strikes up a conversation, leading to a friendly exchange of names and some lighthearted banter about Earth customs and expressions.
As they approach Misewa, they encounter Muskwa in a clearing, seemingly peaceful and tending to a fire. Morgan considers approaching him again but is held back by Mihko. The group quietly observes Muskwa, waiting for him to fall asleep so they can safely pass by. Arik, in a risky move, pokes the sleeping bear to ensure he is deeply asleep. The group manages to pass Muskwa without waking him and continues their journey, aware of the limited time they have.
Part 4, Chapter 21 Summary
Weary from their journey, the group arrives back at Misewa around noon, aware that Muskwa is likely to follow. Morgan and Eli discuss their fears and uncertainties about the impending confrontation with Muskwa. Despite their apprehensions, they agree that it feels right to stand and fight alongside the villagers.
During a community-wide meeting, the villagers debate whether to confront Muskwa or flee as they have traditionally done. Mihko passionately argues for resistance, inspiring a change in attitude among the villagers. Moved by Mihko’s speech, Eli and Morgan volunteer to fight, followed by Arik. This display of bravery prompts one of the seven Bird Warriors, Pip, to intervene, declaring that the Bird Warriors will protect Misewa and that the villagers should not risk their lives. The arrival of the Bird Warriors, each equipped and ready for battle, brings hope and relief to the villagers, who now believe that Misewa can be defended successfully against Muskwa.
Part 4, Chapter 22 Summary
The Bird Warriors take up positions around Misewa to watch for Muskwa’s arrival while the villagers prepare to leave for safety. Mihko, Ochek, Arik, and the siblings discuss their desire to fight alongside the Bird Warriors with the Chief and Council.
The council initially questions the involvement of Eli, Morgan, and Arik, noting their outsider status. Eli passionately argues that he and Morgan were raised on the land and have a connection to it, similar to Ochek. Morgan adds that they have come to see Misewa as a special place and want to help protect it. Arik, attempting to justify her participation, jokes about a gradual integration into village life but ultimately expresses her inspiration from the humans and her desire to fight alongside everyone.
After a moment of deliberation, Chief Wapistan, supported by Oho, decides to allow the three to join the defense. They are honored to be allowed to fight alongside the Bird Warriors, Mihko, and Ochek. Arik wields a Bo staff, Eli a long spear, and Morgan a self-made slingshot, all prepared to defend Misewa against Muskwa.
Part 4 Analysis
A central idea in these chapters is the bravery displayed by Morgan, Eli, and the residents of Misewa. The group’s journey back to Misewa, their preparation for the impending confrontation with Muskwa, and their determination to protect their home against the odds reflect the resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of existential threats like colonialism. The characters’ strength and persistence as the confrontation with Muskwa approaches builds tension ahead of the novel’s climax. This tension is amplified by Muskwa’s destruction in Otakosík, though the novel establishes in the first chapters that Muskwa grows into a kind and compassionate creature. This raises the question of how that change occurs while also emphasizing the cyclical nature of time, as established in earlier chapters.
The evolution of the characters’ relationship with Muskwa, especially Morgan’s perspective shift, reflects themes found in Indigenous literature and culture, particularly The Relationship Between Humans and the Natural World and the idea of animals as guides and symbols. Indigenous perspectives often view animals not just as beings with whom humans share a spiritual connection. In many Indigenous cultures, animals, including bears, are revered as spirit guides or totems, embodying qualities that humans can learn from and aspire to. Muskwa’s initial portrayal as a threat evolves into a representation of strength, resilience, and a connection to the natural world. This transformation is crucial for Morgan’s character development. By moving from fear to understanding Muskwa, Morgan reconnects with a vital aspect of her heritage––a respect for and kinship with nature. This journey mirrors the process of reclamation of Indigenous identity, especially for those who have been disconnected from their cultural roots.
Bears hold significant symbolism in many Indigenous cultures, including Cree culture, and are revered for their strength, endurance, and ability to survive under harsh conditions. In The Great Bear, Muskwa can be seen as a symbol of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. The confrontation with Muskwa becomes a metaphor for the struggle against the forces that threaten Indigenous cultures and ways of life. These include the struggles against colonialism, the loss of culture and land, and the fight to preserve their heritage and identity. It’s a narrative of not just survival but thriving despite adversity. The bear’s role in the novel is complex; it is both a symbol of the challenges that the characters face and a representation of the strength and wisdom they can draw from their cultural heritage.
The eventual understanding and empathy toward Muskwa underscore a larger theme of compassionate coexistence with nature, a principle embedded in Indigenous worldviews. Morgan’s journey toward understanding Muskwa is also a journey toward understanding herself. It’s a liberation from the fear and misconceptions that have held her back, allowing her to embrace a more authentic, connected existence. This reflects the broader theme of The Journey of Self-Discovery for Indigenous Youth.
The community-wide meeting in Misewa to decide their course of action against Muskwa is a key moment that highlights the importance of collective decision-making in Indigenous societies. In many Indigenous communities, decisions, especially those affecting the entire group, are made collectively, with each member having a voice. This democratic process is rooted in the belief that the wisdom of the group is greater than that of any single individual. In the novel, this approach is evident when the villagers, after a thorough discussion, choose to confront their fears and defend their home. This decision is not just a tactical response to an immediate threat but a symbolic act that reinforces their shared values and commitment to their community and land.
The villagers, despite their individual differences, come together for a common cause. This unity is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional, embodying the ethos of interconnectedness and mutual support. The novel portrays how diverse members of the community, including the Bird Warriors, children like Morgan and Eli, and elders, contribute to the collective effort, each in their own unique way. This diversity in unity is a hallmark of Indigenous cultures and stories, where every member, regardless of age or status, is valued and plays a role in the community’s well-being. It also reflects the idea that community extends beyond humans to include plant and animal relatives. The villagers’ decision to stand and fight Muskwa is tied to their connection to the land and their cultural heritage. The land is more than a physical space; it is a source of identity, history, and spiritual nourishment. Defending Misewa is, therefore, a defense of their identity and way of life.
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