In Guy Vanderhaeghe’s short story Dancing Bear, conflict plays a central role in both expressing the underlying themes and illustrating significant changes in the characters. The story, set in a rural, somewhat isolated community, explores the themes of identity, cultural conflict, and personal transformation through the interactions and internal struggles of its characters.

1. Conflict as a Means to Explore Themes

Cultural Conflict and Identity

One of the key conflicts in Dancing Bear is the cultural conflict between the First Nations community and the settler society represented by the protagonist’s family. This conflict is represented through the interaction between the native characters and the non-native characters, particularly the protagonist’s father, who views the First Nations community through a lens of superiority and prejudice.

The titular dancing bear, a native symbol that holds significance to the community, embodies the tension between cultural assimilation and preservation. The bear’s role in the story goes beyond its physical presence as an animal in captivity; it represents the exploitation of indigenous culture and the imposition of external values. The conflict arises not only in the tension between these two cultures but also in the internal struggle of the characters as they grapple with their own understanding of identity.

Through the father’s attitude toward the First Nations people and his cynical and dismissive approach, Vanderhaeghe uses conflict to reveal the thematic tension between cultural heritage and colonialism. The father’s reluctance to understand and accept the native perspective contributes to the larger theme of cultural misunderstanding.

Personal Conflict and Transformation

Another layer of conflict exists within the protagonist himself, who experiences a profound internal conflict. This struggle involves coming to terms with his identity, his place in a community divided by cultural differences, and his relationship with his father. The protagonist is exposed to the world of the native community through the events surrounding the dancing bear, and this experience forces him to confront his own biases and preconceptions about the world around him.

The personal conflict is represented through the protagonist’s emotional growth and shifting perspective. Initially, he appears to accept his father’s prejudices and attitudes, but as the story progresses, he begins to question these beliefs. The conflict within the protagonist grows as he confronts the complexities of loyalty, morality, and justice, which eventually leads to a transformation in his character.

2. Conflict as a Tool for Character Development

The Father: Symbol of Authority and Prejudice

The father represents the establishment—the dominant settler society that imposes its values on the indigenous people. His role in the story is pivotal in showing the development of his son’s character. Through his actions and attitudes, the father embodies prejudices and cultural supremacy. The external conflict between the father and the First Nations community, particularly his treatment of the bear and the people involved with it, mirrors the larger cultural struggle of the time.

The father’s conflict is primarily external, as he seeks to impose his own values on others. However, this external conflict sets the stage for the protagonist's internal growth. The father’s inability to accept change or recognize the inherent dignity and respect of the First Nations people represents the inflexibility of an entrenched worldview. The conflict between father and son—embodied in their different approaches to cultural understanding—forces the son to rethink his place in a divided society.

The Protagonist: Personal Growth and Moral Awakening

The protagonist’s internal conflict is at the heart of the narrative. At first, he is complicit in his father’s views, but the events surrounding the bear, especially its treatment, push him to question his understanding of the world. As the boy witnesses the treatment of the bear and the cultural dynamics at play, he begins to empathize with the First Nations people and comes to recognize the moral complexities of the situation.

The emotional conflict the protagonist faces is significant because it forces him to step outside the comfort of his family’s prejudices and into a broader world of empathy and understanding. His eventual transformation occurs as he moves from a passive acceptance of his father’s views to a more active reflection on his own identity and moral compass. This transformation is not just intellectual but also emotional, as the protagonist begins to understand the humanity of those around him and the importance of compassion.

3. The Resolution of Conflict and Change

In the conclusion of the story, the protagonist’s conflict is resolved through a small but significant act of rebellion against his father’s beliefs. By rejecting his father's views, the protagonist symbolically chooses to embrace a more inclusive worldview. The resolution of the conflict within the protagonist signifies his moral growth—he has moved from a position of cultural ignorance to one of greater awareness and empathy.

The father, however, does not undergo the same transformation. His failure to change and his continued resistance to understanding the world beyond his prejudices highlights the stagnation of his character. The contrast between the two characters emphasizes the theme of personal responsibility and growth—while the protagonist evolves, the father remains trapped in his prejudices.

4. Conclusion: The Role of Conflict in Theme and Character Change

Guy Vanderhaeghe effectively uses conflict—both external and internal—to develop the themes of the story and to illustrate the significant change in the protagonist's character. Through the cultural tensions surrounding the dancing bear and the personal conflict between the father and son, Vanderhaeghe explores complex ideas about identity, cultural misunderstanding, and personal growth. The protagonist’s journey from passivity to moral awakening reflects the broader theme of how individuals confront and redefine their beliefs in response to external pressures and internal reflections.

Ultimately, the conflict in Dancing Bear allows Vanderhaeghe to craft a story of growth and change, showing how exposure to new ideas and perspectives can challenge long-held beliefs and inspire personal transformation.