Betsey’s bear, Petunia, symbolizes how appearances can be deceiving, and how most people long for caring and kindness. On the surface, Petunia appears fierce and frightening, because she is a powerful animal with sharp teeth and claws. Jemmy is initially afraid of her, as are Billy and Cutwater. However, underneath her fierce appearance, Petunia is a tame bear who is sweet and obedient. She enjoys a close and trusting relationship with her trainer and companion, Betsey.

Even Petunia’s name is comically unexpected, because most people wouldn’t expect a large and fierce bear to be named after a delicate flower. The relationship between Petunia and Betsey is likely founded on care and trust, as Betsey is a small girl who cannot overpower the bear with physical force. The discrepancy between Petunia’s fearsome exterior and her inner sweetness symbolizes how other characters may also be different from how they appear; for example, Prince Horace initially seems selfish and cruel, but he turns out to be mostly lonely and sad. Furthermore, Petunia is tame and gentle because Betsey took the time to care for her; likewise, the prince becomes kinder once he builds caring and trusting relationships with other people.