In "Pushing the Bear" the author uses several references to nature to reaffirm the value and importance of the land, which is one of the main themes of the narrative.
The references to nature show how cultivating, planting and caring for the land is inherent to the Cherokee people, as a responsibility given by their ancestors and that must be passed on to each generation. Nature is also referred to through family relationships as something extremely inherent in Cherokee culture, in addition to showing how removing these people from their lands leaves them unprotected both physically and spiritually. The spiritual and religious relationships covered in this story also use references from nature to be established.
