Summary+for+That+Sort+of+Bear+-+Eungi+Choi

Summary That Sort of Bear

By: Eungi Choi
The chapter begins with Pooh and the narrator discussing about the Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony’s “Ode to Joy.” However, Pooh misinterprets the lyrics by stating that his favorite part was “Sing Ho! for the life of a Bear!” (115). The narrator corrects him, stating that it was Pooh himself who had created up the lyrics, not Ludwig van Beethoven.

After the somewhat random event, the author introduces the first major theme of the chapter that “Everyone is Special, you know,” though it sometimes takes a while for people to realize on their own (116). For example, Piglet realized that his petite figure could actually be useful for adventures as Rabbit stated but was a bit disappointed when Rabbit also helped Pooh realize that “adventure would be impossible” without Pooh.

Hoff tells of the Chinese story of The Stonecutter who magically transforms into the being that he was jealous of (from a stonecutter to a wealthy merchant, high official, sun, cloud, wind, stone, and finally back to a stonecutter). In the end, everybody is jealous of others no matter what lives they may lead. The author introduces the second major theme, that people need to believe in the power within themselves rather than other spiritual forces or even fate. This idea is supported by two examples: the story of Buckminister Fuller and Thomas Edison. Buckminister Fuller was a man who lost all happiness of his life after the death of his daughter, his company's bankruptcy, his reputation being soiled, and his physical state worsened by alcohol. He was able to overcome his problems after realizing that he had nothing to lose anymore and started taking risks and initiated actions based on what he believed in rather than what he was taught to do. The laws of the natural world was able to completely change his life and he became famous for his contributions to humanity. Thoms Edison was also a similar case in which he was kicked out of school after just three months and was ridiculed for blowing up a laboratory. However, powered by his persistence in learning the mechanical applications of natural laws and became the famous inventor of American history.

Hoff also introduces two stories about Pooh and his friends that deal with the courage within people and how it is used to solve difficult situations in life. One day, Pooh and his friends were on an expedition to find the North Pole but Roo accidentally tripped into the stream. Eeyore simply wanted some credit on saving but didn’t do any good, Piglet panicked, Owl instructed Roo, Kanga was busy worrying, Rabbit issued commands, and only Pooh was the one who actually stepped up and saved Roo using the North Pole itself. The second story is about Piglet who overcame his complex in small stature and was saved during the flood by Christopher Robin and Pooh after throwing a bottled letter into the waters. The most important Taoism term according to Hoff is Tz’u, known as “caring” or “compassion.” Lao-Tze claimed it as the “first treasure” and stated, “From caring comes courage” (128). He summarized it by saying that without compassion, one does not have wisdom and knowledge isn’t really necessary in this case (but it’s important to note that wisdom, knowledge, and compassion are all part of an ongoing cycle). Using Kanga as an example, he stated that people would act good without thinking if they are driven by their heart, or courage. Pooh and Piglet visit Owl’s house only to find themselves trapped when Owl’s tree is suddenly blown over by the fierce winter winds. Owl suggested that they should use a string to pull Piglet up through the ceiling and out of the house to issue for help. Although reluctant by fear at first, they eventually try it out and are saved by Christopher Robin.

Christopher Robin introduces a new moral in which Happiness and Importance aren’t things that can be bought like Pooh did with his whole incident of the shoe store. also questions Pooh to why there are masses of shoes in his closet and Pooh states that when "When it comes to enjoying life and making use of who we are, all of us can; it’s just that some don’t” (133). This leads into the Tiddely-Pom Principle, known as the Snowball Effect, used both negatively and positively.

//The more it snows (Tiddely pom), The more it goes (tiddely pom), The more it goes (tiddely pom) On snowing. (134)// Pooh sings for Piglet who questions whether he was the one who really did all the poem said. Pooh praises him for being brave and not blinching. Later, Eeyore unknowingly introduces Owl to Piglet’s house but Piglet does a Noble Thing and states that it would be perfect for Owl. To be happy, people should appreciate what one has and to be miserable, people should be discontented. A toast for Gallant Piglet and Fearless Pooh is hosted. Christopher Robin tries to look for his present and discovers it under the desk after Eeyore’s speech. The chapter concludes with a foreshadow to the next chapter which explains why Pooh is special.

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