A Bear Family

By James Whitcomb Riley

Narrative Poem
     Wunst, 'way West in Illinoise,      Wuz two Bears an' their two boys:      An' the two boys' names, you know,      Wuz - like ours is, - Jim an' Jo;      An' their parunts' names wuz same's,      All big grown-up people's names, -      Ist Miz Bear, the neighbers call      'Em, an' Mister Bear - 'at's all.      Yes - an' Miz Bear scold him, too,      Ist like grown folks shouldn't do!      Wuz a grea'-big river there,      An', 'crosst that, 's a mountain where      Old Bear said some day he'd go,      Ef she don't quit scoldin'so!      So, one day when he been down      The river, fishin', 'most to town,      An' come back 'thout no fish a-tall,      An' Jim an' Jo they run an' bawl      An' tell their ma their pa hain't fetch'      No fish, - she scold again an' ketch      Her old broom up an' biff him, too. -      An' he ist cry, an' say, "Boo-hoo!      I told you what I 'd do some day'."      An' he ist turned an' runned away      To where's the grea'-big river there,      An' ist splunged in an' swum to where      The mountain's at, 'way th'other side,      An' clumbed up there. An' Miz Bear cried -      An' little Jo an' little Jim -      Ist like their ma - bofe cried fer him! -      But he clumbed on, clean out o' sight,      He wuz so mad! - An' served 'em right!      Nen - when the Bear got 'way on top      The mountain, he heerd somepin' flop      Its wings - an' somepin' else he heerd      A-rattlin'-like. - An' he wuz skeerd,      An' looked 'way up, an' - Mercy sake! -      It wuz a' Eagul an' a SNAKE!      An'-sir! the Snake, he bite an' kill'      The Eagul, an' they bofe fall till      They strike the ground - k'spang-k'spat! -      Wite where the Bear wuz standin' at!      An' when here come the Snake at him,      The Bear he think o' little Jim      An' Jo, he did - an' their ma, too, -      All safe at home; an' he ist flew      Back down the mountain - an' could hear      The old Snake rattlin', sharp an' clear,      Wite clos't behind! - An' Bear he's so      All tired out, by time, you know,      He git down to the river there,      He know' he can't swim back to where      His folks is at. But ist wite nen      He see a boat an' six big men      'At's been a-shootin' ducks: An' so      He skeerd them out the boat, you know,      An' ist jumped in - an' Snake he tried      To jump in, too, but failed outside      Where all the water wuz; an' so      The Bear grabs one the things you row      The boat wiv an' ist whacks the head      Of the old Snake an' kills him dead! -      An' when he's killed him dead, w'y, nen      The old Snake's drownded dead again!      Nen Bear set in the boat an' bowed      His back an' rowed - an' rowed - an' rowed -      Till he's safe home - so tired he can't      Do nothin' but lay there an' pant      An' tell his childern, "Bresh my coat!"      An' tell his wife, "Go chain my boat!"      An' they're so glad he's back, they say      "They knowed he's comin' thataway      To ist surprise the dear ones there!"      An' Jim an' Jo they dried his hair      An' pulled the burrs out; an' their ma      She ist set there an' helt his paw      Till he wuz sound asleep, an' nen      She tell' him she won't scold again -          Never - never - never -          Ferever an' ferever!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs a charming narrative style to depict a family dynamic among bears, which mirrors human relationships, particularly within the context of a traditional nuclear family. The theme of family unity, tension, and reconciliation is prevalent throughout the poem. The bears are anthropomorphized, exhibiting human-like characteristics, such as the ability to communicate verbally and experience complex emotions, which makes the poem relatable for readers.

The tone of the poem is light and playful, despite the dramatic events that occur within the narrative. It utilizes a non-standard dialect, adding to its whimsical nature and creating a childlike, storybook quality. This is further emphasized by the poem's rhymed verse, which adds a rhythmical quality, making it enjoyable to read aloud. The poem's structure is narrative, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and climactic points that drive the story forward.

Key literary devices used include anthropomorphism, simile ("Ist like their ma - bofe cried for him"), and onomatopoeia ("rattlin'", "k'spang-k'spat"). The poem also includes moments of humor and irony, such as when the bear frightens the men out of their boat or when the family pretends they knew he'd return in that manner. These elements add depth and texture to the narrative, enhancing its overall appeal.

In conclusion, this poem is an engaging, entertaining narrative that utilizes various literary devices to create a rich, immersive world where bears mirror human behavior. Its themes of family, conflict, and reconciliation resonate universally, making it a relatable piece for readers of all ages.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.