Bambi: A Life in the Woods: Analysis of Major Characters
"Bambi: A Life in the Woods" explores the complexity of nature and relationships through its major characters. The story centers on Bambi, a young deer who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning about the world around him from his mother and various forest friends. Bambi’s Mother plays a crucial role in teaching him essential survival skills before her tragic disappearance. Key figures include The Old Prince, a wise stag who imparts valuable wisdom and assists Bambi during perilous moments, and Faline, Bambi's cousin, who becomes the object of his affections. Other characters, such as Gobo, Faline's brother, and Ronno, a rival stag, illustrate different responses to the dangers posed by humans. The enigmatic figure of Man serves as both a threat and a catalyst for growth throughout the narrative. This tale poignantly captures themes of innocence, loss, and the harsh realities of nature while presenting a vivid tapestry of life within the forest.
Bambi: A Life in the Woods: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Felix Salten
First published: Bambi: Eine Lebensgeschichte aus dem Walde, 1922, serial; 1923, book (English translation, 1928)
Genre: Novel
Locale: A forest
Plot: Fable
Time: Indefinite
Bambi, a deer who as a fawn longs to be with his mother and his cousins, who asks many questions of his forest friends and learns much through their answers and his own observations, and who at last in maturity learns to stay by himself. The Old Prince, a wise old stag who befriends Bambi, gives him much sage advice, saves him once from Man, and, after Bambi has been wounded by a hunter, instructs him about herbs that will heal him.
Bambi's Mother, who lovingly cares for young Bambi and teaches him forest lore and how to protect himself from Man. Before Bambi grows his new antlers, she disappears forever.
Faline, Bambi's lovely cousin, with whom he plays when they are fawns and whom he later loves.
Gobo, her small, delicate brother, who is caught by Men, kept as a pet until full-grown, and then released. Foolishly trusting all Men, he is killed when he goes to talk with a hunter.
Ena, the mother of Faline and Gobo.
Man, a puzzling and dangerous creature with a black stick that sends out thunder, fire, and death, even to his own kind.
Ronno, a stately stag who escaped after a hunter wounded him in the foot. the following year, he ceases his pursuit of Faline when Bambi challenges and defeats him in battle before the admiring Faline.
Karus, an older stag who attempts to interfere with Bambi when he wishes to play with Faline. Karus flees when attacked by Bambi.
Nettla, an old doe, self-sufficient and with her own ideas about everything. She regards Man with disgust.
Marena, a young, half-grown doe who predicts that Man will someday be as gentle as the deer themselves.