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| Harrison Bergeron receiving his handicaps |
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| Book cover for The Giver |
The short story 'Harrison Bergeron', written by Kurt Vonnegurt Jr.and the novel 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry both share a theme of forced equality, and how foolish and difficult it is to manage. In both texts, the government is forcing equality onto the citizens because the see it as an ideal society. In the short story Harrison Bergeron, the government enforces their idea of equality by physically and mentally handicapping citizens. The goal of total equality is a goal that the government there has striven to achieve for a long time. “The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal… to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.” The citizens from The Giver find themselves in parallel circumstances. The citizens were genetically modified and drugged so that they all became extremely similar. The citizens were naïve as to exactly what was happening. The citizens only knew: “The life without colour, pain or past.” The two stories show that when someone breaks the binds of forced equality, they can rebel, and possibly encourage others to do so. The character Harrison Bergeron realizes his true unhindered potential and tries to share it with the world. He became engrossed with his newfound power, and encouraged others to do the same. “Even as I stand here crippled, hobbled, sickened – I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived!” Jonas, the protagonist from The Giver, also feels that way. He learns of the true experiences this world has to offer, and becomes infatuated. Jonas rebels from the bland and uninspiring society. He pities the citizens left behind. “They were satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on. And he was angry at himself, that he could not change that for them.” In both of the tales, society is forced into a state of complete uniformity, where nothing new is discovered or gained. That is not a way to successfully run a society to excel into the future. People must be able to reach their full potential to best contribute to society.
This is a trailer for the movie based on the story of Harrison Bergeron. It somewhat effectively summarizes the story, and clearly states the message and theme.
The Giver: Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now it's time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.
To read in more depth about The Giver, click here
Sources for images and video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE_nr2t6fKQ
http://www.scifimoviepage.com/images/harrison1.jpg
http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/206673070369856694_eO9cHlXV_b.jpg
http://static.tumblr.com/oeqxchf/WO4m4ef1w/equality.jpg
