Guy Vanderhaeghe, author of “Dancing Bear”, explores both internal and external conflicts that man faces within society and within himself. Vanderhaeghe’s writing is intended to point out the importance and struggle of survival in literature. His work also presents the lives of those living troubled or dealing with a disability (Heath). The struggles of man versus man and man versus society are strongly spoken of within “Dancing Bear”. Vanderhaeghe describes a story of emotional battles of survival. Using an omniscient point of view, Vanderhaeghe gives a clear overview of what struggles Dieter faces during the short story. The main character Dieter Bethge is a sick elderly man dealing with personal limitations as well as emotional abuse from his nurse Mrs. Hax. Due to his inability to live on his own, Dieter is forced to rely on the help of others which sometimes causes him to be taken advantage of, as he cannot care for himself. Since he cannot tend to his own needs, he is viewed as useless and incapable by the rest of society. Dieter goes through transformations during the short story, and his character unfolds a new attitude. In the beginning, he feels trapped and vulnerable. Considering he cannot fend for himself or …show more content…
Vanderhaeghe’s writing often specifies the importance of going against society’s standards. Through his story, he shows the comparison between a round, dynamic character, to a flat, self-indulged woman. His writing proves that those who suffer undergo change in a way only they can understand. Vanderhaeghe was a writer that felt strongly towards speaking out for those who could not. Many of his stories represented a fight for emotional survival that were not always won. Passion was shown through his words and strife was battled in order to bring an expression of change towards those overcoming difficult