As the novel’s title suggests, the significance of the bear is central. Like other symbols in the novel, its meaning shifts and evolves. Initially, it’s a magical anomaly for both Elena and Sam, infusing their mundane lives with excitement. The bear continues to have this effect on Elena as she spots the bear multiple times. She quickly adopts the belief that the bear is magical—that it deliberately chose to show itself to her because she’s special and unique. In this way, the bear has an uplifting effect on Elena, validating her as a person in ways that her family and those around her can’t. Elena becomes so convinced of the bear’s magical qualities that she denies the bear’s ability to harm her. Her increasing number of safe encounters with it only strengthens her resolve, further distancing her from rational thought and behavior.

More importantly, the bear symbolizes a growing chasm in the strong bond between the sisters. Because they don’t agree on whether the bear is safe to be around, Sam and Elena are at odds. Elena doesn’t want to relinquish the thing that has brought new meaning to her life, while Sam fears that the bear will harm Elena. The bear symbolically takes Sam’s place as an entity of great significance in Elena’s life.