HARRISON BERGERON - LESSON 1 — Story Genres and Interpretive Context

This lesson introduces the importance of the use of genre in this short story by Kurt Vonnegut — that is, the genre of SATIRE, coupled with the additional genre of DYSTOPIAN SCI-FI. We think about the relationship between the form and the content, and how that informs the message / theme of the story, and how adaptations of the story in film have missed the critical element of exaggeration, ridicule, and unrealistic technology as part of the point of Vonnegut's warning and message.

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[ericschrader]

I find it interesting how the story dives into the idea that to reach true 'equality', we must take away from people that have more, even if it does not directly benefit everyone. This highlights the inherent problem in our seemingly everlasting search for equality and shows that our differences and strengths may divide us sometimes, they are something we should value.

[mariavrsic]

I believe that all of our differences is what makes our world work the way that it does. Not everyone is good at math, not everyone is good at science, not everyone is good at sports, and so on. I find it very interesting to think about how the workplace would be different if we all had the same strengths.

[swervosaidno]

i really liked this book and how it shows that its important for us to have a little freedom because not everyone is meant to think the same

[holdenarmitage]

I found the difference between equity and equality interesting. I knew equality was about everyone having similar or the same strength in various subjects but I never thought of how equality is used (disadvantaging others with more talent).

[mellisazahrir]

I find the comparison of equality and equity interesting. How they don't necessarily go hand in hand and for example in this story when everyone is "equal" there is a lack of equity.

[rayzhang]

Said it before, will say it again. Before the short story even started the page has been filled with background information on what is possible and what is not

[jamesmulford]

I was really fascinated about the idea of people who are gifted being the same as everybody else. How are you supposed to accomplish anything if everybody is the same. If i lived in a world where i was equal to everybody in every aspect i would have no drive or motivation to do anything. I would feel as if i was just living without a purpose.

[sophiaradosevic]

I find the use or satire, exaggeration and ridicule facinating in this context. To make the story so ridiculous and unrealistic on purpose to better convey the message.

[cleao]

It is interesting about the use of satire in relation to the Civil Rights Movement, and that this story was sort of a message to us that what if total equality becomes true? Also, the way how this story can represent equality, but that doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with equity.

[willsalter]

I find a system of true equality quite counter intuitive taking away people’s skills and distinguishing features takes away what makes us human

[zaidalwash]

I found it interesting how you mentioned that if everyone is equal how far would that go, that's not something I realized, I don't think a world of full equality work because in my opinion there would be no advancement since everyone is the same.

[ahsflat]

I think that everybody being the same may have been a ridicule of certain political ideologies. it is interesting to listen to, even if it is a great exaggeration, it still has some roots and similarities to reality, in a very exaggerated way.

[shahedawamleh]

I'm curious about the difference between how unrealistic the story is written and how realistic the film is made. Also, analyze how the author used the text and form in this short story, such as the style and elements that connect to the content, which will provide us with the story's message.

[Natureblue]

thinking in a real life perspective, a perfect society and all who has equal rights would be ruined, changed and overall can affect a society even before there were equal rights.

[mustafahmood]

I find it interesting that the author uses satire to exaggerate the human rights movement. Although the author understands the story tells an unrealistic reality, it is interesting to see his stance on human rights movements.

[callumnicolson]

I like the mentioning of everyone being the same not equaling equality. This shows through the government taking away gifted peoples rights of being able to use their full brain power to problem solve, think, etc… So it is an oppression against gifted people in a way.

[chrismilligan]

If strength, beauty and intelligence were all the same, how would you feel? Personally I can't imagine a world of 7.7 billions people identical to me.

[felix]

So in the story, does the government also handicap their own ability too? It seems not likely, considering that the Handicap General was able to critically process young Harison Bergeron as a threat to society. I feel that the plot is very similar to a quote said in the book Animal Farm by George Orwell; "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others", does the Handicap General consider themselves just as equal to let's say, George and Hazel Bergeron or more than equal to George and Hazel Bergeron.

[isaacfrazao]

If everyone was equal in knowledge, strength, and looks people would act the exact same to everyone and I don't think that anyone would be satisfied, if everyone is the same the world becomes very plain and the human race would not be able to advance especially with technology, medicine, and other important things.

[matyasmogg]

So, what is satire, mockery trying to be unrealistic? Is that the case or am I getting the memo wrong?