The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

Jonathan is the protagonist of The Bears on Hemlock Mountain. He is an eight-year-old boy from a farming family, and he lives with his parents in their stone farmhouse at the foot of Hemlock Mountain. Both of his hardworking parents support the family by working on the farm or in the home. Likewise, Jonathan is characterized as a hard worker who is eager to help support the family. 

For instance, he helps his father carry in the wood to keep the stove burning for his mother’s cooking. When his mother asks him to travel to Aunt Emma’s house to borrow an iron pot, he agrees despite his own fears about the trip. Dalgleish writes, “Jonathan began to think about bears. And to keep up his courage he said, in time to his own slow steps: THERE…ARE…NO…BEARS…ON…HEMLOCK…MOUNTAIN…NO…BEARS…NO…BEARS…AT…ALL” (Chapter 8). The author depicts Jonathan as a brave boy whose emotional resilience helps him complete his task. On his long walk, he faces loneliness, cold weather, and wild animals, but he does not lose his courage. 

Jonathan’s youth, innocence, and friendly nature make him a sympathetic character. While he wants to fulfill his promise, his young age sometimes makes it difficult for him to focus on the task at hand.