Rebelling for Freedom
Rebelling for Freedom Freedom is something that has been rebelled against for many, many years. This is a recurring motif in the short story "Dancing Bear" by Guy Vanderhaeghe. Rebellion for the sake of freedom is worth everything, even death. Dieter Bethge rebels against the rules of Mrs Hax, his own ill body, and his mind. From the beginning of the story, it is apparent that Dieter Bethge has definite hatred of Mrs. Hax. He is constantly struggling to be free of her and her bossy, controlling ways. "The old man felt his face burn with humiliation, as it did whenever he was thwarted or ignored. 'I want that damn thing off my bed!' he yelled. 'This is my bed! This is my house! Get it off!" (Vanderhaeghe 405). Almost every time Bethge and Mrs Hax interact, they are arguing. Bethge is fed up, and wants to be free from her ruthlessness, and fights her for the sake of his freedom, until he no longer can. The bears' situations in this story are definite symbols of Bethge being trapped. A bear, and men in some ways, is supposed to be a strong, fearless animal, but these bears are stripped of their dignity, much like Bethge. "He led him by a ring through the nose. When a crowd gathered, the man unsnapped the chain from the bear's nose and began to play a violin. It was a sad, languorous tune. For a moment, the bear tossed his head from side to side and sniffed the dirt. This, for him, was a kind of freedom." (Vanderhaeghe 411). Mrs Hax is much like the bear trainer, in which the trainer is forcing the bear to be less than it is, and stripping the bear of it's dignity. The bear has a limited freedom just like Bethge, who can hardly do anything without Mrs Hax's watchful eye. When Bethge finally escapes Mrs Hax by locking her out, he finally feels free. He feels accomplished and happy. "He hurries to his business. His hands fumble with the chain on the front door; at last it is fastened. His excitement leaves him breathless, and he shuffles to the back door