Mavis Gallant story, "Bernadette"

Fear, it has a way of controlling everything that it comes in contact with. As young children we are introduced to this intimidating desire with intrigue and suspicion. As we age, the thoughts of fears become more like realities, ideas of loneliness and death enter the picture as comprehensible thoughts and views of the future. These issues make up the foundation of the Mavis Gallant story 'Bernadette'. In this story we are presented with the …

…fears control us to the point that they are seen more as truth instead of obstacles. Fears are great deterrents and allow us to see things not for what they are. In conclusion, we must all face the fact that fears and anxieties will forever be present in our lives, but we must progress to the stage where we can see them for what they are instead of allowing them to enter our existing routines.