A interaction between an elder African American storyteller and a young child, known as “the young master,” who is keen to hear a story, is the subject of the poem. After some lighthearted grumbling and persuasion, the storyteller finally consents to tell the youngster a story. This is a funny fable about a cunning weasel and a mischievous bear.

The Storyteller and the Young Master

The storyteller’s voice, which is written in a dialect that mimics the speech patterns of African Americans in Dunbar’s day, opens the poem. The poem has the sensation of a genuine oral history being spoken by a knowledgeable and experienced person because of this approach. In addition to gently reprimanding the small child for not sitting correctly, the storyteller makes fun of him for being demanding. Reminding the youngster that good manners breed excellent character, he urges him to sit up straight and act like a “high-tone boy.”

The storyteller ultimately chooses to tell one despite his complaints about being exhausted and running out of stories, maybe because he is aware of how much the youngster loves these stories. As is typical in traditional storytelling, this introductory segment emphasizes the bond between the two characters by displaying both tenderness and discipline.

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Setting the Stage for the Story

The story’s protagonist, an elderly black bear, is introduced by the narrator. This bear resides in a cave close to the village. The bear is shown vividly by the narrator, who highlights its size and strength. Because of its size, the bear may easily carry a small dog or a pig away. Particularly when the bear is furious, its eyes are said to be “as big as saucers” and to blaze like fire. The bear appears frightening and menacing because of these details.

The bear is a nuisance in addition to being big and frightening. It roams freely, taking food and wrecking crops. Because it is so cunning and constantly avoids traps, no one can catch it despite its destructive activities. The narrator highlights the farmers’ frustration at being harmed by the bear yet feeling unable to stop it.

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Introduction of the Weasel

The weasel is the next character to be presented. The weasel is little and not as scary as the bear. The storyteller clarifies, nevertheless, that weasels are renowned for their cunning and sneaky nature. The bear and this specific weasel do not get along. The weasel is inspired to teach the bear a lesson since the bear treats it with contempt due to its little stature.

The weasel makes the decision to devise a strategy to outwit the bear. This prepares the audience for a traditional fable-style battle in which wit and intelligence are compared against physical power.

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The Weasel’s Plan

A farmer who has been fighting to keep the bear away from his field receives the weasel. Concerned that the weasel may cause problems, the farmer grabs a stick as he sees it coming. The weasel promptly comforts the farmer, though, and offers to assist him in capturing the bear.

The farmer and the weasel agree that the farmer must give the weasel a plump chicken in return for the weasel’s assistance. The weasel eats the chicken after the farmer gives his approval, obviously relishing his prize before he even begins working. This instance demonstrates the weasel’s self-assurance and guile. Because the weasel is not only witty but also a little cheeky, it also makes the narrative funnier.

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Setting the Trap

The weasel instructs the farmer to create a trap with bait—something that will draw the bear—after consuming the chicken. The farmer follows directions, believing the weasel will fulfill his commitment. When the trap is prepared, the weasel goes to the bear’s lair to carry out the next phase of his scheme.

Despite the fact that they are not buddies, the weasel approaches the bear and acts nice. “I know where they can find a great meal,” he informs the bear. The weasel tells a falsehood, claiming that the food is in a trap but that they can outwit it and grab it if they cooperate.

The bear accepts the proposal after being seduced by the prospect of a simple supper. The bear feels secure in his power and does not perceive the weasel as a danger, as evidenced by the fact that he does not suspect the weasel of any deceit. This scene exposes the bear’s conceit and prepares the way for his demise.

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The Bear Gets Caught

The bear is guided to the trap by the weasel, who also gives him instructions. He instructs the weasel to hold back the spring while the bear inserts his paw inside the trap to retrieve the bait. The bear obeys these directions because it trusts the weasel. But the weasel releases the spring as soon as the bear’s paw enters the trap, and the trap closes on the bear’s paw.

The bear is trapped and unable to get away. He screams in agony and rage, doing everything he can to get free, but to no avail. Satisfied with his achievement, the weasel makes fun of the bear. He informs the bear that cunning may triumph over strength and that being little does not equate to weakness. The weasel then dashes out to inform the farmer of the situation.

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The Farmer’s Revenge

The farmer brings an axe to the trap. The farmer eliminates the threat to his land and the neighborhood by killing the bear after it has been captured and is unable to defend itself. The weasel’s strategy has been successful, and the bear’s conceit and avarice have brought him to ruin.

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Return to the Frame Story

The storyteller returns to the little boy after concluding the narrative. Saying that one tale is plenty for the evening, he teasingly chastises the kid for demanding more. The reader is left feeling satisfied and reminded of the connections made via storytelling as the storyteller’s warmth and humor come through.

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