In “The Bear,” Faulkner explores the fragile, ever-shifting relationship between human society and the natural world. In so doing, Faulkner contrasts the restrained, balanced relationship with nature practiced by Sam and Isaac with the more aggressive approach practiced by Boon and others. The differences between these two approaches are most evident in three dichotomies: violence versus reverence, ownership versus membership, and cities versus forests.

Whereas Boon is quick to violence, Sam teaches Isaac the value of reverence. A notoriously poor shot, Boon is known for missing Old Ben at close range, not for lack of trying. Additionally, Boon’s admiration for Lion seems to stem primarily from Lion’s brute strength—or, in other words, his ability to inflict violence. Isaac, for his part, initially relies on his gun for security, but Sam convinces him to set it aside on at least two occasions: first, when he’s tracking Old Ben, and later, when he approaches Lion for the first time. Sam also instills in Isaac an admiration for the creatures of the forest, including a buck whom they refrain from shooting, as well as Old Ben. Boon, meanwhile, attacks Old Ben almost without thinking on both occasions when he comes into close proximity to the bear.