Final answer:
The story "When Grizzlies Walked Upright" explores themes of conflict between nature and civilization and the origin of species and creation myths. These themes intertwine to illustrate the consequences of human actions on nature and provoke thoughts about the balance between progress and respect for the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
“When Grizzlies Walked Upright” contains several themes that intertwine with one another. One of the prominent themes is the conflict between nature and civilization, which shines through the story as the Chief of the Sky Spirits places humans in a position of dominance over nature. An element that reinforces this theme is the repeated emphasis on the human characters shaping the natural world according to their whims and needs.
Another theme that emerges is the origin of species and creation myths. This narrative sets a foundation story for how the grizzly bears came to walk on two legs and develop a kinship with humans. The significant consequence of the interactions between the Sky Spirit's daughter and the grizzlies expresses a theme of the interconnectedness between humans and nature, and the implications of violating natural boundaries.
Analysis shows that these themes affect each other as actions born from the human desire to civilize and dominate can lead to unintended consequences, such as the creation of a new species. The story asks the reader to consider the balance between human progress and respect for the natural world.