Bearstone Written by Will Hobbs

Themes within the novel, Bearstone. The search for identity. -Cloyd has had to be independent and has been moved around a lot, lacking a sense of belonging - Cloyd searches for a compromise between the values and ways of his ancestors and the values and ways of others with whom he comes into contact.

Learning to take responsibility. Themes (con’t) Learning to take responsibility. -Cloyd needs to take responsibility for the damage he did to Walter’s peach trees. He apologizes and searches for ways to please Walter. Eventually he replaces the trees with new seedlings. He also desires to take responsibility for the care of the ranch and Walter as he feels that Walter has brought a lot into his life. -Rusty decides to notify the Wildlife organization of his killing of the grizzly. Rusty also later accepts responsibility for the way in which he treated Cloyd. He does this by not pressing him for information regarding Cloyd’s actions during the hunt. In addition, he sees that all of Walter’s equipment and horses get back to the ranch. He does this for both Walter and Cloyd.

Themes (con’t) The struggles of developing relationships. -Cloyd struggles with the idea of trust and developing relationships. Having been without parents and having been forced to move around a lot, he leads a troubled youth, is unable to focus and is quick to take revenge or run when feeling hurt, threatened, or insecure.

Themes (con’t) Appreciating Others . - Cloyd has to learn patience and trust. He learns the good that one can feel when they make a sacrifice for another individual. He learns that even strangers can show kindness to one another, and that everyone deserves to be given a second chance. -Walter learns that even a young person can bring a great deal of goodness into the life of an older person. -Both Walter and Cloyd learn the benefits of understanding one another’s cultural backgrounds and using this knowledge to enrich their own lives.

Character Web

Character Web

Cloyd (initially) Character Trait Supporting Detail -determined - searching for father he never knew wants to finish the fence to prove himself to Walter

Cloyd (con’t) Character Trait -discouraged, depressed, distrustful, Supporting Detail -father is unable to communicate, feels alone in his search, unable to go home for the summer, doesn’t want to meet someone new

Cloyd (con’t) Character Trait -independent Supporting Detail -has searched for father alone since sister is not interested, mother died following his birth and father left after his mother died

Cloyd (con’t) Character Trait -rebellious -daring Supporting Detail -has run away -has missed some schooling -desires to be left alone -risks precipice -rides horses

Cloyd (con’t) Character Trait -lonely Supporting Detail -lives in a group home -has no place to call home

Cloyd Character Trait -knowledgeable and appreciative of Nature Supporting Details -knows about the land, the cliffs, the mts. -knows and respects Native American history of his people, the Utes

In what ways has Cloyd changed? He is more trusting. He thinks of other’s needs before his own. He exercises more patience. He learns to forgive people for their shortcomings / mistakes. He learns to care for others and allows others to care for him.

Walter (initially) Character Trait (1 of 3) -lonely Supporting Detail -wife has passed away -doesn’t care for the farm or cook much for himself

Walter (con’t) -nice, caring, kind Character Trait (2 of 3) Supporting Detail -willing to take in a stranger for Susan J. still tends peach trees, and willing to share all that the ranch has to offer

Walter (con’t) Character Trait (3 of 3) -knowledgeable and appreciative of Nature Supporting Detail -takes care of the ranch, the peach trees -knows the mountains

Create a graphic organizer which reflects Walter’s character traits and the supporting details for each.

In what ways has Walter changed? He learns that in order to understand one’s actions, one must first understand their motivations and individual beliefs. He learns that there is a lot more to a person than what is on the surface. He learns that a young individual can bring a new perspective and vibrance to one’s own life.

Preparing an outline for a written response (essay). Once you have listed supporting details for each item on your graphic organizer, the information must then be organized into traditional outline format.

Create a graphic organizer and standard outline for the following essay question The novel, Bearstone, takes its name from a small sculpture that Cloyd, the main character, finds while exploring. He hopes that the bearstone will bring him luck in the future. Write an essay in which you discuss why the bearstone was important to Cloyd, what it symbolized to him, and whether or not you think the bearstone brought Cloyd luck. Remember to use specific details and examples from the novel to support your response.