Bear and Buzzsaw by James McIntyre
The narrative unfolds in a Michigan sawmill powered by water, where the protagonist operates a highly efficient buzzsaw capable of cutting large timber. One day, while alone at the mill, a bear inadvertently encounters the saw, resulting in a catastrophic injury to its paw. Enraged, the bear attacks the saw, leading to a dramatic confrontation where the saw ultimately bisects the bear. The protagonist capitalizes on this unexpected event, preserving the bear's meat for sustenance and utilizing its hide for warmth. The bear's grease is also employed to lubricate the mill's machinery, enhancing its operation. The tale combines elements of adventure and survival, showcasing the intersection of nature and human ingenuity in a rural setting. The protagonist reflects on the bizarre yet fortuitous incident, which provides both practical benefits and a memorable story.
By James McIntyre · First published 2021 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Humor, Adventure · 342 words
First lines
A Saw Mill Yarn I owned sawmill in Michigan, Which by water power ran;
Buzzsaw possessed mighty power, Thousands of feet it cut each hour.
What this Textopian page supports
Bear and Buzzsaw is listed on Textopian as a short story by James McIntyre, dated 2021 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 2021 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Humor, Adventure, Nature Writing, Folklore
- Length: 342 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Bear and Buzzsaw by James McIntyre
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Bear and Buzzsaw?
- How does this short story by James McIntyre fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- Happy Jack by Thornton W. Burgess
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Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The work is written in verse, telling a story through poetic form.
- Humor — The absurdity of a bear encountering a buzzsaw and the exaggerated outcomes provide comedic elements.
- Adventure — The plot involves a dramatic encounter between a bear and a buzzsaw, showcasing elements of danger and excitement.
- Nature Writing — The setting in a sawmill and the interaction with wildlife reflect themes of nature.
Tags
Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Children's Literature · Animal Characters · Friendship · Growing Up · Coming of Age · Imagination · Magic Realism · Humor · Satire