Hemlock

A symbol used in past poems and history to kill things, hemlock is used in the story to kill an idea of there being no bears on the mountain.

Cast Iron Pot

This is the pot that John had to go over the mountain alone to go get. This pot belongs to Aunt Emma. However, the pot also represents Family and the love and protection that they offer John.

Carrots

The carrots are what John feeds to the wild rabbits on the way up the mountain so he didn’t feel so alone.

Spring

Spring is a force of fear to John as he knows the bears wake up in spring and the snow was already melting while he was up on the mountain. Spring is ominous and hints at the danger yet to come.

Milk and Cookies

Milk and cookies are what aided John in...