The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

Jonathan’s father is a secondary character in the book. He is described as a “big man” who “work[s] hard on the farm” (Chapter 3). The author suggests that his hard work gives him a big appetite. He tells his wife, “And remember I am very hungry in this cold weather” (Chapter 3). Jonathan’s father is also depicted as a devoted father to Jonathan. Along with his brothers, he travels up Hemlock Mountain at night to search for Jonathan when he is delayed on his trip. He scares away the bears and rescues Jonathan from his hiding spot.

Jonathan’s father helps Jonathan take the big pot down the mountain to their farmhouse. While they walk, he reminds Jonathan to not be so distractible while he is doing his tasks but forgives him for being so late: “H’m […] It is not the way to do when you are sent on an errand. But I guess you have learned that by this time” (Chapter 10). Jonathan’s father is a static character who remains the same throughout the story, but his rescue and gentle parenting show his love for his son and help give the story its happy conclusion.

Jonathan’s mother is a secondary character in the story. She is portrayed as a generous and loving woman who works hard to provide for her husband, son, and extended family. Since she is responsible for maintaining the home and cooking, she must meet the demands of hosting her large extended family. While she is a “fine cook” who enjoys having company over, she is sometimes tired out by her hosting duties and wishes she did not have so many family members to feed.

Jonathan’s mother parents Jonathan in a firm and affectionate way. She caters to his interests, allowing him to pack food for his animal friends, and makes sure he has his own snacks, too. She builds his confidence for his task of fetching the pot, telling him, “You are a big boy, now” (Chapter 3). While she is kind to Jonathan, she is also direct about her expectations. She insists to a nervous Jonathan that he must complete his errand and tells him that his ideas about bears are “stuff and nonsense” (Chapter 3).

Despite her assurances to Jonathan, she still worries for him. At one point, her worry for her child convinces her that there may be bears on the way: “‘There are no bears on Hemlock Mountain. But perhaps…’ She went back to her cookie making and tried to forget about it. But she couldn’t forget” (Chapter 4). Her private anxiety about Jonathan’s journey emphasizes her love and concern for him.

Young Uncle James is the youngest of Jonathan’s many uncles and Jonathan’s favorite one. James is 14 years old, hence his “young” attribute. He is portrayed as a particularly perceptive person. The author writes, “Young Uncle James had eyes that saw and ears that heard” (Chapter 2). While these may appear redundant, it is meant to highlight in simple terms that he pays attention to things that others may not. This helps him to recognize Jonathan’s feelings and interests in a way that the rest of the family sometimes misses.

Like Jonathan, James loves nature and wildlife, and he helps Jonathan learn how to patiently observe the wild animals at work. He tells his nephew, “‘Look carefully, Jonathan.’ Jonathan looked. The raccoon took the apple in his two front paws. He dipped it in the water and dipped it and dipped it again. ‘Coons like their food wet,’ said Uncle James” (Chapter 2). This, in part, develops the theme of The Bonds of Family, as James makes an effort to connect with Jonathan, but it also shows the important relationship between People and Wild Animals. James’s perceptiveness allows him to have a more intimate knowledge of what animals need, in addition to his awareness of what his family needs.

James’s interest in nature bonds him with Jonathan. While all the adults in Jonathan’s life insist that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, James reveals that he saw a bear there a long time ago. James encourages Jonathan’s fascination with bears, telling him that maybe he will spot one someday. This sensitivity regarding Jonathan is why the two get along so well. While James accepts and encourages Jonathan’s interests, James is also there to help Jonathan when the boy makes mistakes on his errand.