Tunes for Bears to Dance To by Robert Cormier Book Analysis

In the novel Tunes For Bears To Dance To written by Robert Cormier, an 11 year old boy, Henry, moved to a new town after his older brother, Eddie, died in a tragic car accident. After Eddie's death the family was financially unstable because Henry's dad quit his job due to his depression from Eddie’s passing. Because of the families’ lack of income, Henry went to work for a grocer named Mr. Hairston, who was two-faced, delightful towards customers' faces but sneered behind their backs. One day when Henry was looking out of his tenement’s window he noticed an old man, Mr. Levine, who was a holocaust survivor walking everyday on a dirt path out of the “crazy house”. Henry gained empathy for both Mr. Hairston and Mr. Levine which later leaves him in a quandary on making the right decision for his family. Henry's concern and empathy towards others motivates his choices.

To begin, Henry always thought about others and stood up for others. He made sure that people had equal chances and that everyone was treated fairly. For example the text states, “‘Jackie Antonelli would be a good bender for you’” … “He had promised Jackie he would ask, although he didn't particularly care for Jackie…” (Cormier 4). Henry knew that he wouldn’t be able to stock the shelves for Mr. Hairston for a long time because of his knee so he offered for Jackie Antonelli to take over his position for the time being. Although Mr. Hairston was brusquely Henry still didn’t want him to have to bend down because of his back. This allowed Henry and Mr. Hairston to create a bond and that he cares enough to make sure that he isn’t in pain. Henry also knew that Jackie and his family were poor so it would help his family have a way to get more income. The word “good” and the sentence “didn’t particularly care for Jackie” shows that even though Henry knew he was lying to Mr. Hairston, he knew that it was for a good cause in trying to help Jackie get a job. In addition the text states, “‘He lives in the crazy house but he’s not crazy’” (45). This shows that Henry stood up for Mr. Levine after Mr. Hairston was calling him crazy. Henry never had talked differently towards Mr. Hairston’s opinions because he was scared of him, but after thinking back to what he had heard about Mr. Levine's past he put himself in his shoes. Henry understood that Mr. Levine had been through traumatic experiences. Since Henry learned about Mr. Levine he was able to create a deeper connection towards him. Henry continued to hang out with the old man, strengthening this connection between the two of them. 

Moreover, Henry always wanted people to have happiness and always put others before himself, for example the text states, “He prayed first for his mother, Small and delicate, who had worked night shifts during the war… He prayed that his father would begin to gamble again… He prayed for Eddie, in case he was not in heaven” (17). This proves that Henry wanted the people he cared for to be happy. The word “delicate” shows that Henry was sensitive towards his mother and knew that his mother had done so much for her family. Henry knew that his father’s gambling addiction was a bad thing but his father enjoyed it because it made him happy. Henry would rather have his father gamble than be depressed. Additionally the text states, “Then he added a prayer for the old man, asking Jesus to watch over him” (18). Henry didn’t know much about the old man but still he prayed for Jesus to watch over the old man and to protect him from harm. Henry made sure that everyone was happy and not once thought of himself. He made sure that every decision he made would be the choice that the people he cared about would want him to make. 

Furthermore, Henry shows that after making the erratic decision on smashing the village he instantly thought of his loved ones and what they would have thought of his actions. Because of this, Henry went to speak to Mr. Haristion where he proclaims, “‘I don’t want your rewards,’ he said… ‘No,’ Henry said. ‘I’m quitting the job. I don’t want it. Eddie wouldn’t want your monument either. And my mother, leave her alone’” (94). This quote demonstrates how Henry regretted smashing the village because he knew what his loved ones would have thought about him receiving these “rewards” for doing such a horrible act. Henry knew what he did was wrong and he owned up to his actions. He stated, “‘I smashed the village,’ he said ‘but it was an accident. I didn’t mean to do it’” (92). Henry told Mr. Hairston this because he regretted it and needed someone to confess to. He was trying to make himself feel better about making a mistake. 

Henry’s concern for others and empathy towards others motivates his choices. Henry always made sure that everyone was happy and would always put others before himself. He cared about others and made sure that the choices he made wouldn’t affect the feelings of others. In the end Henry found out that close relationships with those he really cares about are more important than the materialistic things in life such as money and affording his brother's gravestone. Henry knew that he and his family loved Eddie and they didn’t need a stone to prove it.