The Bear Came over the Mountain

“The Bear Came Over the Mountain” illustrates how wealth and status give room for women to challenge gender roles and reshape social ideals. Compare and contrast Fiona and Marian with regard to gender roles. How do their financial circumstances affect their roles in their relationships?

When Grant visits Fiona for the first time after the 30-day adjustment period, Kristy calls the daffodils he’s carrying “Narcissus,” and notes that it’s early in the season for them. What is the significance? How do Grant and the tale of Narcissus align?

“The Bear Came Over the Mountain” ends ambiguously, with no clear indication whether Fiona and Aubrey reconnect or whether Grant and Marian start a relationship. How do you interpret the ending?

Historically, this story was published first in The New Yorker on December 27th, 1999, at the height of the Y2K scare, and the story takes place in January 2000. How might social fears of broad technological collapse contemporary to the story’s publication relate to Grant’s fears about Fiona forgetting everything about their 50-year marriage?

What is Grant’s motive for reuniting Fiona and Aubrey? Is it about selfishness, or is it about sacrifice? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

How might the story have been different if Grant was facing Alzheimer’s disease instead of Fiona?

Grant’s and Fiona’s marriage is far from traditional and has been tested by Grant’s infidelity. In what ways does their relationship, and Grant’s infidelity, uphold traditional gender roles? Do they subvert them?

What is the significance of Grant’s dream during Fiona’s first 30 days at Meadowlake? What does it reveal about his character and his relationship with women?