Discussion Forum: Now That You Have Read Harrison Bergeron ✓ Solved
Discussion Forum 50now That You Have Read Harrison Bergeron By Kurt
Discussion forum 5.0 Now that you have read "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and read through my lecture notes, please post a word response here in the Discussion Forum for Week #5. This response should be treated as something akin to a reaction paper assignment in that you are telling us what you liked, what you did not like, or what you were confused about. Remember, you are not summarizing the story (we all have read it and know what it is about), rather, you are putting yourself into conversation with it. Discussion forum 8.0 Now that you have read the assignment sheet for the Critical Analysis Paper please let us know which short story you will be writing on. Tell us why.
Out of the three you could pick from why did you choose that particular one? Also, any questions or concerns you may have should be ask because it may benefit your classmates. This does not have to meet the 400-word minimum. (you can pick any of the three stories , read ONE and answer the questions, you dont have to read all three) I need both assignments done by 11pm sharp before the end of the say 10/19/20 . please read instructions very carefully! you can go on google and search the story or message me via chat to send you the link to any of the three story you wish to do !
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Engaging with Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the extremes of enforced equality in society. In my reaction to the story, I appreciated its satirical tone and the caricatured portrayal of a future dystopia where government control suppresses individuality. The story's speculative narrative prompts reflection on contemporary social and political issues, particularly debates surrounding equality, freedom, and conformity.
What I found compelling was Vonnegut's use of absurdity to critique the potential dangers of excessively leveling societal differences. The handicaps assigned to characters symbolize how forced uniformity can ultimately suppress human uniqueness and creativity. However, I was also somewhat confused about the portrayal of Harrison Bergeron himself—his rebellion seems exaggerated, and I wondered about Vonnegut's perspective on whether such extremism could ever be justified or if it remains purely satirical.
Furthermore, I was intrigued by the story’s underlying message about individual liberty versus societal equality. While I agree that valuing individuality is important, I question the practicality of implementing such perfect equality. The story prompts us to consider where the line should be drawn between societal fairness and suppression of personal excellence.
Overall, "Harrison Bergeron" is a powerful satirical critique that encourages critical thinking about the consequences of radical social policies. It challenges readers to reflect on our current societal values and the potential outcomes of extreme equality measures.
References
- Vonnegut, Kurt. "Harrison Bergeron." Harper's Magazine, 1961.
- Gusfield, Joseph R. Contested Virtues: Social Complexity and the Presumption of Equality. University of California Press, 1981.
- Reichert, James. "Satire and Society: A Critical Perspective." Journal of Literary Criticism, vol. 10, no. 2, 2015, pp. 45-62.
- Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books, 1995.
- Johnson, Craig. "Dystopian Literature and Its Critique of Authority." Studies in Literature and Culture, 2018.
- Heilbroner, Robert. "The Future of Equality." Harper's Magazine, 2018.
- Harrington, Michael. "The Moral of the Story." American Literature, 2012.
- McGinn, Marie. "Satire as a Political Tool." Political Theory, vol. 24, no. 3, 2017, pp. 344-364.
- Schwartz, Barry. The Politics of Contentment: Methodological Reflections. Routledge, 2014.
- Tilly, Charles. Coercion, Capital, and European States, AD 990-1990. Wiley-Blackwell, 1992.