The Bear Story Class 7 Notes: CBSE English (An Alien Hand) Chapter 5

About the Author

Axel Munthe (1857–1949) was a Swedish physician and author, best known for his book The Story of San Michele, a memoir that recounts his life experiences, particularly his time in Italy. Munthe was deeply interested in human nature and animal welfare, and his love for animals is evident in "The Bear Story." As a compassionate and observant writer, Munthe often incorporated themes of kindness, animals, and human emotions in his works, making them beloved by readers worldwide.

About the Story / Synopsis of the Story

"The Bear Story" is a heartwarming tale of a lady who raises a pet bear. The bear, found as a starving cub in the forest, is adopted by the lady and the cook. Despite his large and powerful frame, the bear grows up to be a gentle and friendly companion. He is vegetarian and shares meals with the dogs and other animals at the manor. Though he is mostly well-behaved, he does have moments of disobedience, such as when he climbs apple trees or disturbs the beehives. The story highlights his bond with the lady, the kindness he receives, and his loyalty. The narrative touches on the bear’s humorous and tender moments, showing his affection for the lady and his regret after disobeying her.

The theme of the Story

The central themes of "The Bear Story" are:

• Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between the lady and her pet bear exemplifies deep trust and loyalty. Despite the bear's occasional mischief, his devotion to his owner remains unshaken.

• Kindness and Compassion: The story demonstrates the importance of treating animals with love and respect, highlighting the bear's peaceful nature despite his strength.

• Obedience and Consequences: The story reflects the idea of discipline and the consequences of disobedience, as seen when the bear is punished for climbing the apple tree or disturbing the beehives.

• Humour and Tenderness: The story is light-hearted and humorous, with the bear's clumsy yet affectionate character providing moments of warmth.

Character Sketches

1. The Lady: The lady is a compassionate and caring individual who adopts the bear when it is found starving in the forest. She raises the bear with love, feeding him the same food as the dogs and ensuring his well-being. She is strict when necessary but shows affection and understanding toward the bear. Her relationship with the bear is that of a kind caretaker and a loving friend.

2. The Bear: The bear is the central character of the story. He is found as a small, weak cub but grows up to be a large, strong animal. Despite his strength, the bear is amiable, friendly, and gentle. He enjoys the company of the animals and children at the manor and is very affectionate toward the lady. He is also curious, mischievous, and sometimes disobedient but deeply loyal to the lady.

3. The Cook: The cook plays a supporting role and has a soft spot for the bear. She treats the bear as if he were her own child, showing kindness and affection toward him. The cook defends the bear when the lady scolds him, as she believes that the bear has behaved well.

Summary of the Story

In the story, a lady who lives in a manor house on the border of a large forest adopts a pet bear she finds starving in the forest. The bear is raised by the lady and the cook, growing up to be a large, strong, and friendly animal. Despite his size, the bear is gentle and affectionate, living peacefully with the other animals at the manor, including the dogs and ponies. He enjoys fruits, vegetables, and honey, and has a special fondness for apples, although he knows he’s not allowed to climb the apple trees or disturb the beehives.

Every Sunday, the lady visits her sister, leaving the bear on a chain for the afternoon. One Sunday, while on her way to visit her sister, the bear follows her despite being chained. She becomes angry and tries to send him back, even hitting him with her parasol. The bear, however, doesn’t give up and continues to follow her. Eventually, he returns to the manor on his own, waiting patiently for the lady’s return.

When the lady returns in the evening, she scolds the bear for his disobedience. However, the cook defends the bear, explaining that he had been good all day and had been waiting for the lady to come back. The story ends on a warm and loving note, highlighting the affection between the bear and the lady.

Important Points of English Class 7 Chapter 5 The Bear Story

• Setting of the Story: The story takes place in a manor-house near a forest, illustrating the contrast between a peaceful home and the untamed wilderness.

• Introduction of the Bear: The bear is found as a malnourished cub in the forest and is raised by the lady with care, highlighting the theme of compassion.

• Development of the Bear's Character: The bear grows from a weak cub to a strong yet gentle animal, emphasizing the power of care and nurturing.

• The Bond Between the Lady and the Bear: The lady and the bear share a deep bond of affection, showcasing loyalty, love, and mutual understanding.

• Mischievous Nature of the Bear: Despite being well-behaved, the bear occasionally gets into trouble, such as climbing apple trees and disturbing beehives, showing his playful side.

Importance of English Class 7 Chapter 5 The Bear Story Notes 

• Clarifies Key Themes: The notes help highlight the central themes such as compassion, the bond between humans and animals, and the importance of nurturing, which are key to understanding the story.

• Simplifies Complex Ideas: By summarizing the chapter, the notes make it easier to grasp the more complex parts of the story, like the bear’s transformation from a helpless cub to a well-behaved companion.

• Aids in Retention: Notes help reinforce the story’s important details, ensuring you remember key events, character traits, and morals.

• Serves as a Revision Tool: The notes serve as an excellent reference when reviewing the chapter for exams or discussions, saving time while ensuring you don’t miss crucial points.

• Improves Understanding of Characters: The notes emphasize the bear’s amiable nature and the lady’s relationship with him, helping to better understand the characters' emotional connections.

Tips for Learning Class 7 English Chapter 5 The Bear Story

• Understand the Key Themes: Focus on understanding the themes of loyalty, kindness, and discipline in the relationship between the lady and the bear. These are central to the story and its moral lessons.

• Character Analysis: Pay attention to the character traits of both the lady and the bear. Understanding their personalities will help in grasping the emotional depth of the story.

• Learn the Vocabulary: The story uses some rich vocabulary and descriptions, so make sure to understand the meanings of words and phrases to enhance comprehension.

• Focus on the Sequence of Events: Keep track of the timeline of events, including the bear’s growth, his mischievous behaviour, and the lady’s reactions. This will help you understand the plot structure and progression.

• Reflect on the Moral Lessons: Take time to reflect on the moral lessons provided in the story. Think about how these lessons apply in real life, both with animals and in human relationships.

• Use Visualization: Visualize the settings, characters, and events described in the story. This will help make the story come alive and make it easier to remember.

Conclusion

"The Bear Story" is a charming and touching tale that teaches us about the importance of kindness, loyalty, and discipline in relationships with animals. It highlights how a compassionate and nurturing approach can transform a wild creature into a loyal companion. The bond between the lady and the bear serves as a reminder of the deep emotional connections that can exist between humans and animals. The story conveys valuable life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages through humour, warmth, and tenderness. It not only promotes animal welfare but also emphasizes the significance of patience, understanding, and love in dealing with others, whether human or animal.

Related Study Materials for Class 7 English Chapter 5 The Bear Story

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for Class 7 English 

You can also download CBSE Class 7 English Honeycomb Notes for thorough preparation.

Important Study Materials for Class 7 English