# Identity and Belonging in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Walter M. Miller Jr..

Characters like Big Hogey in 'The Hoofer' and the thief Asir struggle with displacement and alienation, whether from space travel, social ostracism, or the loss of family connections.

## Where it surfaces

- [Death of a Spaceman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_57_se/chapters/death-of-a-spaceman): Old Donegal grapples with his identity as a spacer and his sense of belonging in a world that does not fully understand his experiences.
- [Way of a Rebel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_57_se/chapters/way-of-a-rebel): Mitch questions his place in society and his identity as a sailor and a member of the Navy, ultimately choosing to become an outcast.
- [The Hoofer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_57_se/chapters/the-hoofer): Hogey struggles with his identity as a 'tumbler' (spacer) versus his new role as a 'hoofer' (Earth-bound father). He feels trapped and out of place.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_57_se/themes/identity_and_belonging
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_57_se/themes