Research Paper on Harrison Bergeron
At last, in the year 2081, there is a world of perfect equality. With ‘average’ levels of intelligence, physical strength and appearance balanced out, America has finally become a utopian society. Yet there are flaws, and still inequality within the mask of equality that belittles all those with above-average skills. Brief yet effective, Kurt Vonnegut’s "Harrison Bergeron" is a bitter satire of a futuristic America, seen through the eyes and voices of its citizens.
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Vonnegut shows us through characters the different opinions each civilian feel towards this equality law. There is Hazel, who is of ‘average’ intelligence and too stupid to acknowledge even the death of her own son. Her thoughts come and go, drifting here and there. Hazel and all the other Hazel’s in America are the ones who make the leaders of America feel so safe; for she is harmless and easily manipulated to fit their needs.
But then there is George; who is of above-average intelligence and physical fitness. He must not only endure the irritation of the ear transmitter every time he thinks too much, but also carry the burden of heavy weights around his neck to make up for his physical state. The transmitters are made to blast loud noise and disturb his train of thought, till his mind is as blank as his wife’s, while the weights hinder him and force him to bend over at the force. Though the man understands what happens when his son dies right before him on the TV screen, he is unable to express his emotions.
And at last, our hero Harrison, a boy born with such intelligence, physical capabilities and handsome appearances that he was strapped into the most up-to-date technology barring the boy from his above-average skills. But he could not be hindered, and even when he was sent to jail, Harrison found a way to break free.
He and his ballerina were the most brilliant people anyone had ever seen, and because they exploited such skills, were made to pay the ultimate price. Before these new laws were enforced, citizens of America would’ve died to have a certain look or figure. But now, in the year 2081, talent, appearances and practically everything that makes us unique are forbidden. The opinions of these enforced handicaps are mixed, as these three examples show, from desire to indifference, and from indifference to vulgar hate. And yet, it is from these three main characters that we get a sense of what life in 2081 might be like, and the real power behind Vonnegut’s story.
Harrison Bergeron satirizes equality in this story through the use of characters. It shows us the differences and the minds of average civilians versus those of above-average ones. George is strapped with bothersome implements while Harrison is forced to disfigure himself to deem ‘average’ in appearance. It is satirical in this way, because futuristic America goes overboard with the desire for equality. The message is clear though, and it reminds us that we shouldn’t try too hard to be equal in every way. Uniqueness, individuality and personality are what makes us so special, and this world so interesting.
Vonnegut shows us through characters the different opinions each civilian feel towards this equality law. There is Hazel, who is of ‘average’ intelligence and too stupid to acknowledge even the death of her own son. Her thoughts come and go, drifting here and there. Hazel and all the other Hazel’s in America are the ones who make the leaders of America feel so safe; for she is harmless and easily manipulated to fit their needs.
But then there is George; who is of above-average intelligence and physical fitness. He must not only endure the irritation of the ear transmitter every time he thinks too much, but also carry the burden of heavy weights around his neck to make up for his physical state. The transmitters are made to blast loud noise and disturb his train of thought, till his mind is as blank as his wife’s, while the weights hinder him and force him to bend over at the force. Though the man understands what happens when his son dies right before him on the TV screen, he is unable to express his emotions.
And at last, our hero Harrison, a boy born with such intelligence, physical capabilities and handsome appearances that he was strapped into the most up-to-date technology barring the boy from his above-average skills. But he could not be hindered, and even when he was sent to jail, Harrison found a way to break free.
He and his ballerina were the most brilliant people anyone had ever seen, and because they exploited such skills, were made to pay the ultimate price. Before these new laws were enforced, citizens of America would’ve died to have a certain look or figure. But now, in the year 2081, talent, appearances and practically everything that makes us unique are forbidden. The opinions of these enforced handicaps are mixed, as these three examples show, from desire to indifference, and from indifference to vulgar hate. And yet, it is from these three main characters that we get a sense of what life in 2081 might be like, and the real power behind Vonnegut’s story.
Harrison Bergeron satirizes equality in this story through the use of characters. It shows us the differences and the minds of average civilians versus those of above-average ones. George is strapped with bothersome implements while Harrison is forced to disfigure himself to deem ‘average’ in appearance. It is satirical in this way, because futuristic America goes overboard with the desire for equality. The message is clear though, and it reminds us that we shouldn’t try too hard to be equal in every way. Uniqueness, individuality and personality are what makes us so special, and this world so interesting.
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Warning!!! All free online research papers, research paper samples and example research papers on Harrison Bergeron topics are plagiarized and cannot be fully used in your high school, college or university education.
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___________________________________________________________Warning!!! All free online research papers, research paper samples and example research papers on Harrison Bergeron topics are plagiarized and cannot be fully used in your high school, college or university education.
If you need a custom research paper, research proposal, essay, dissertation, thesis paper or term paper on your topic, EffectivePapers.com will write your research papers from scratch. Starting at $12/page you can order custom written papers online. We work with experienced PhD. and Master's freelance writers to help you with writing any academic papers in any subject! High quality and 100% non-plagiarized papers guaranteed!
