Faulkner's "The Bear" Weapons Symbolism
Hello everybody, this is my first post and I really enjoy the site! I just wanted to know if any of you would like to discuss the symbolism in the scene in "The Bear" where the bear is killed. There seems to be some symbolism in that Boon cannot hit anything with a gun, and he rushes in to kill Old Ben with a knife instead. Was this scene in the story intended to reflect the need to "sacrifice" elements of manhood (like Ike had to give up his gun, compass, and watch earlier on) in order to become closer to nature and kill Old Ben? Or was it just Boon trying to save Lion? Also, the way they fell all together seemed like some sort of symbol that once the freedom and nature that Old Ben represented died, all mankind and his servants would fall as well. Any thoughts on this?
The last few lines with Boon and the broken gun seemed hypocritical. Man was finally penatrating nature with the R&R lines and sawmills, but yet man's technology was still made out as futile and ineffective. Can anyone please explain this to me?
Overall, it was a very thought-provocing story. I think I will read some more of William Faulkner's work.
Thanks for the help!