56 pages • 1 hour read
David A. RobertsonThe Great Bear
David A. RobertsonFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Part 5Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 5, Chapter 23 Summary
Dusk sets as the 12 warriors—Morgan, Eli, Arik, the Bird Warriors, and the fishers—wait for Muskwa. The villagers have safely evacuated, leaving only the defenders. As they anticipate Muskwa’s arrival, the Bird Warriors take to the trees for a better vantage point.
Muskwa eventually appears, seemingly unbothered and leisurely. Upon noticing the defenders, he chuckles, mocking their efforts and expressing disbelief at their resistance. Despite his taunts, Morgan, Eli, and the others stand their ground, with Morgan explicitly stating she isn’t afraid of him.
Muskwa’s demeanor changes when he realizes they are serious about fighting. He becomes aggressive, but Morgan, seeing a glimpse of fear in him, confronts him. The warriors prepare for battle, and the Bird Warriors take the lead in attacking Muskwa. The fight intensifies, with Muskwa initially overpowering them but gradually losing strength. Eli plays a crucial role by spearing Muskwa, which allows the others to swarm and overpower him. Morgan participates but is torn by her actions, as she knows the bear she’s attacking will become a kind and wise figure in the future.
In the end, Muskwa is severely wounded. Despite his actions, there is a sense of sadness in his defeat. Pip, the leader of the Bird Warriors, offers to end Muskwa’s suffering, but Mihko passes the task to his son, Ochek. Ochek, conflicted, ultimately chooses mercy, sparing Muskwa’s life.
Part 5, Chapter 24 Summary
The aftermath of the battle with Muskwa is explored. Ochek’s decision to spare Muskwa’s life goes unquestioned and is respected, aligning with his role as a future provider and protector of Misewa. The villagers don’t understand why he spared the bear but accept it as part of his judgment.
Muskwa, severely injured, is cared for by Ochek’s family, particularly Nicky, who tends to his wounds diligently. His most significant injury is a sword wound across his chest. As life in Misewa resumes normalcy, Muskwa recovers enough to sit outside the fishers’ longhouse, silently observing village life.
Morgan approaches Muskwa one night and inquires about his pain, leading to a discussion about carrying memories. Muskwa expresses shame for his past actions, acknowledging his misuse of power and his destructive behavior. Morgan reassures him, suggesting that change is possible and that the villagers might eventually forgive him. Muskwa reflects on his past, contrasting it with the selflessness he has witnessed in the village. He hopes to die doing something as brave and selfless as the 12 warriors who defended Misewa.
Part 5, Chapter 25 Summary
The village organizes a feast to bid farewell to the siblings, marking the occasion with a sense of sadness. Despite the knowledge that they will return in the future, Morgan and Eli keep their promise not to reveal their future involvement in Misewa’s events.
After the feast, Ochek and Arik accompany the siblings across the Barren Grounds, prolonging their goodbye. Upon reaching the Great Tree, they discover the portal’s boards have been broken, and Morgan finds a piece of fabric that she recognizes as belonging to Mason, the antagonist from The Barren Grounds. Realizing Mason’s accidental travel to Askí was because of them, they feel responsible for the events leading to the White Time, a perpetual winter caused by Mason’s greed.
Morgan and Eli decide to share some information about the future with Ochek and Arik, telling them enough to ensure they play their roles in future events but not enough to alter the course of history. Ochek and Arik make promises based on this information.
As they say their final goodbyes, they hear Katie return home, prompting the siblings to quickly return to their rooms. They leave Misewa with heavy hearts, knowing they played a crucial part in its past and will do so again in its future.
Part 5, Chapter 26 Summary
Morgan and Eli make it back to their rooms. Katie and James, concerned about the siblings’ “illness,” check on them. They notice Eli’s hair seems shorter but decide not to press the issue, respecting his privacy.
Morgan worries about being caught in their Misewa clothes but manages to avoid suspicion. James jokingly proclaims Morgan will survive her illness, lightening the mood. That evening, while confined to their bedrooms, Morgan calls her biological mother but hesitates and hangs up before Jenny can answer.
The siblings are not allowed to visit the attic due to James working nearby. Accepting they can’t return to Misewa until the next day, Morgan falls asleep, comforted by the thought of reuniting with Arik and their other friends in Misewa.
Part 5, Chapter 27 Summary
Morgan and Eli return to their regular life, no longer feigning illness. They face their foster parents, who are curious about Eli’s slightly shorter hair but choose not to question it. At school, Morgan and Eli resume their routines, with Morgan getting Eli a new drawing pad for art class and discussing their absence with Emily, who suspects it’s related to their encounter with bullies.
The day progresses with normal school activities, but as they walk home, the bullies confront them again. This time, emboldened by their experiences in Misewa, Morgan and Eli stand up to them. Eli refuses to hand over his drawing pad, and Morgan supports him. Emily joins them, and soon a crowd of students gathers, showing solidarity against the bullies.
When the lead bully tries to intimidate them, the crowd remains unflinching. The bullies, outnumbered and overwhelmed, retreat after Eli feigns a punch, causing their leader to stumble and fall. The crowd cheers, celebrating their victory over the bullies. Morgan, Eli, and Emily share a triumphant moment, relieved that the bullies have been defeated and looking forward to returning to Misewa that evening.
Part 5, Chapter 28 Summary
Morgan and Eli plan to visit the North Country through their attic portal, excited about reuniting with friends there. While waiting for their foster parents to fall asleep, Morgan ponders calling Jenny again. She gathers the courage and calls, but she learns from Jenny’s mother that Jenny has passed away. Devastated, Morgan sobs uncontrollably, realizing she has lost her mother forever.
Eli enters her room, unaware of her distress and ready for their journey. Morgan, overwhelmed by grief, declines to go. Eli, confused but respecting her wishes, agrees to wait. Later, alone and heartbroken, Morgan visits Eli’s room and finds a drawing he made of Misewa. She tears it out and staples it to the wall in their secret room, opening a portal. Despite her sorrow, Morgan steps through the portal, leaving Earth behind.
Part 5 Analysis
The battle with Muskwa encapsulates the novel’s central conflict, blending physical confrontation with a spiritual struggle. Muskwa’s initial aggression and eventual defeat by the community’s united front showcase the novel’s emphasis on collective resilience. However, Ochek’s decision to spare Muskwa’s life introduces the importance of compassion and forgiveness, a theme present in The Barren Grounds as well. This act of mercy symbolizes a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of empathy even toward perceived adversaries. The narrative suggests that true strength and reconciliation lie not in dominance or destruction but in the ability to understand, forgive, and heal.
The culmination of this narrative arc in Ochek’s act of mercy also resonates with Indigenous hunting practices and their underlying spiritual and ethical principles. These practices are not just about the physical act of hunting but The Relationship Between Humans and the Natural World. In many Indigenous cultures, hunting is conducted with respect for the natural world and the animals being hunted. It’s seen as a sacred act, where the animal is honored for the sustenance it provides. This respect is evident in Ochek’s decision to spare Muskwa’s life, recognizing the bear’s intrinsic value and role in the natural world beyond the immediate conflict: “Where’s the sport in killing something so wretched? So defenseless too. There couldn’t have been much honor in that” (194). Indigenous hunting practices sometimes involve rituals and ceremonies that acknowledge the spiritual connection between the hunter and the hunted. These rituals are expressions of gratitude and respect for the animal’s spirit. In the novel, the confrontation with Muskwa transcends a mere battle for survival and becomes a spiritual trial. The decision to spare his life is not just an act of physical mercy but a spiritual acknowledgment of Muskwa’s role in life’s broader tapestry.
Empathy and understanding are also aspects of Indigenous hunting practices. Hunters are taught to understand animals and see them as fellow beings with whom they share the Earth. This understanding fosters kinship, even as humans fulfill their role as predators. In the novel, this is mirrored in the characters’ evolving relationship with Muskwa, where they come to see him not just as an adversary but as a being with his own story and struggles. Hunting is carried out with an awareness of the natural world’s balance, ensuring that the natural ecosystem is closely stewarded. Sparing Muskwa’s life is symbolic of this desire for balance and harmony, recognizing that he is part of a larger natural order that needs to be respected.
Additionally, Muskwa’s character arc, from a figure of terror to one of vulnerability and introspection, reflects the novel’s focus on transformation through healing. His conversation with Morgan emphasizes the potential for change and redemption and illustrates an argument for the cyclical nature of life and the possibility of renewal. The narrative underscores that healing is a journey that requires understanding, patience, and compassion, toward both oneself and others.
The final scenes on Earth reinforce the importance of solidarity and empowerment, particularly in the face of adversity. The community’s collective stand against the bullies, led by Morgan and Eli, symbolizes the power of unity in overcoming challenges. The novel reinforces that standing together against injustice and adversity is a powerful force, capable of bringing about significant change. This scene is a counterpoint to Eli cutting off his braid. Rejecting his culture does not protect him, but after fighting alongside his Indigenous community in Misewa, he is empowered to resist his bullies. This rounds out the theme of The Journey of Self-Discovery for Indigenous Youth.
The narrative concludes with notable emotional moments, particularly Morgan’s discovery of her mother’s death. This revelation propels Morgan into a deeper understanding of loss and life’s impermanence. However, her decision to step through the portal despite her grief signifies her resilience and the continuation of her journey. This act embodies Indigenous perspectives on the cycle of life, where endings are seen as part of a larger continuum, leading to new beginnings. The novel ends with a sense of continuity, implying that Morgan’s and Eli’s journeys are far from over, and their experiences will continue to shape their understanding of their heritage and identity. The cliffhanger of Morgan stepping through the portal also sets up the next book in the saga, The Stone Child.
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