Harrison Bergeron Archetypes

328 Words1 Page

In the dystopian society featured in the story Harrison Bergeron, Harrison Bergeron is a hero. This world has taken equality to the extreme by taking away everyone's strengths and has, in effect, become unethical. Harrison wants to change this and by doing so he shows his heroic traits. He has many qualities of the hero archetype. In this passage, I will further elucidate how the acts of Harrison prove that he is a hero. Hopefully, by the time you're done reading this, you'll agree.

One characteristic that confirms Harrison is a hero is his courage. He stands up for what he believes in even if it puts himself in jeopardy, or in this case, costs him his life. He bravely contradicts the government by breaking his handicaps. Despite Harrison's

Show More
Related

  • Similarities Between A & P And Harrison Bergeron

    668 Words  | 2 Pages

    The theme of the “meaning of freedom” is a common theme between the two stories “A&P” by Updike, and Harrison Bergeron by Vonnegut. In both stories, the characters are take different routes to rebel from the standards of society. In A&P, gender roles are heavy, and Sammy is expected to conform, but he does otherwise by leaving his job. Harrison Bergeron takes place during a time where the human population is expected to be equal, but Harrison steps beyond these limits. These characters show that conforming to society truly does not make you free, in fact it holds you back from your full potential.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Thomas King And Harrison Bergeron

    724 Words  | 2 Pages

    Society has developed throughout history into a seemingly equal; however, segregated commonwealth. In general, humanity may seem to have broken the nineteenth century class structure, nonetheless, there are situations today that still have deep roots in discrimination and apartheid. Advancement in both extremes can result in a catastrophe, therefore, it is inevitable that a balance must be reached. In the short stories “Totem” by Thomas King, and “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, the theme of overdeveloped social beliefs have proven to be the most significant. In both stories, the author is trying to say that society is either too equal, such as in “Harrison Bergeron” or too contrasting such as in “Totem.”

    Read More

  • A Literary Analysis Of Harrison Bergeron

    756 Words  | 2 Pages

    Harrison Bergeron is a short story that creates many images and feelings while using symbols and themes to critique aspects of our lives. In the story, the future US government implements a mandatory handicap for any citizens who is over their standards of normal. The goal of the program is to make everyone equal in physical capabilities, mental aptitude and even outward appearance. The story is focused around a husband and wife whose son, Harrison, was taken by the government because he is very strong and smart, and therefore too above normal not to be locked up. But, Harrison’s will is too great. He ends up breaking out of prison, and into a TV studio where he appears on TV. There, he removes the government’s equipment off of himself, and a dancer, before beginning to dance beautifully until they are both killed by the authorities. The author uses this story to satire

    Read More

  • Theme Of Harrison Bergeron

    740 Words  | 2 Pages

    Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s short story “Harrison Bergeron” was created during the time frame of the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War and encompasses the definition of the word satire. Though the story itself is set in the distant future, the year 2081, one can see the influence of the past in this dark satirical portrayal of an American society. The author satirizes the very elements he was exposed to in his own environment and lifetime. Vonnegut mocks forced ideas of equality, power structures, and oppression, ideas that were prevalent and thriving in the atmosphere of his time of writing “Harrison Bergeron”.

    Read More

  • Epic Heroes Compared: Achilles, Sundiata and Rama

    770 Words  | 2 Pages

    Who is a hero? In contemporary times, usage of the term has become somewhat of a cliché. Over the years, the term “hero” has become representative of a wide variety of individuals, each possessing differing traits. Some of the answers put forth by my colleagues (during our in-class discussion on heroism) as to whom they consider heroes pointed to celebrities, athletes, teachers and family members. Although the occupations differed, each of their heroes bore qualities that my classmates perceived as extraordinary, whether morally or physically. Nonetheless, Webster’s defines “hero” as “a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.” Thus, it is worth considering that individuals become heroes relative to the situation with which they’re faced.

    Read More

  • Aaron Rodgers: A Hero Or Hero?

    876 Words  | 2 Pages

    In this essay I have only shown three, but there are so many more and the traits of a hero are not only restricted to people who save lives, chase bad guys, or change the world. He overcame constant pressures with his determination, led a whole team with his outstanding leadership, and never gave up thanks to his passion. He is a hero to many, no cape, or superpowers needed. So now it’s up to you, is he, or is he not, a

    Read More

  • Harrison Bergeron Conformity

    669 Words  | 2 Pages

    The world is divided up into numerous things: Countries, states, cities, communities, etc. However, when looking at the big scope of things, one can group the vast amount of people into a society. This society is where the majority lie in the scheme of things - in other words, the common people. Individuals do exist in this society, but they are scarce in a world of conformism. Society’s standards demands an individual to conform, and if the individual refuses they are pushed down by society.

    Read More

  • Character Development In Harrison Bergeron

    903 Words  | 2 Pages

    The future entails breakthrough technology and unknown leadership. The harsh rules of the government in, Harrison Bergeron, causes the protagonist, Harrison Bergeron, to come up with the dangerous idea to overthrow the government which leads to the violent behavior of the antagonist Diana Moon Glampers. The author, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., uses character development to show the theme of the harsh government through the eyes of the protagonist, antagonist, and the foil characters Hazel and George Bergeron in this futuristic society.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Harrison Bergeron

    661 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although the comparisons are well hidden, both today’s society and the story ‘Harrison Bergeron’ share similar qualities. They both deal with equality, which leads to problems and consequences. A second similarity is the struggle of competition and trying to prevent it from occurring, which also leads to problems. Lastly, both struggle with normality, and the fact that it’s hard to accept that different is okay now.

    Read More

  • Pros And Cons Of Harrison Bergeron

    321 Words  | 1 Pages

    “I am the Emperor!” cried Harrison. “Do you hear? I am the Emperor! Everyone must do what I say at once!” He stamped his foot and the studio shook. “Even as I stand here,” he bellowed, “crippled, hobbled, and sickened – I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived!” Harrison may be viewed as a hero in some people’s eyes, but the following evidence proves that Harrison Bergeron is a danger to society. He is aggressive, condescending, and unfit to control the government as emperor.

    Read More

  • Essay On Harrison Bergeron

    441 Words  | 1 Pages

    “Harrison Bergeron” a short story by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., takes place in a totalitarian society where everyone is equal. A man who tries to play the savior, but ultimately fails in his endeavors to change the world. Vonnegut short story showed political views on communism, which is that total equality is not good (and that equity might be better).

    Read More

  • What Is The Theme Of Equality In Harrison Bergeron

    681 Words  | 2 Pages

    The short story “Harrison Bergeron”, Kurt Vonnegut Jr portrays the new era of 2081 and the sense of equality of the people. No one is better or worse than another individual and they are treated the same in all opportunities. Looking at the story from a formalist critical lens, and the meaning of equality, it is clear that there is not equality represented in this story and no fairness.

    Read More

  • Individuality In Ray Bradbury's Harrison Bergeron

    756 Words  | 2 Pages

    Society hates individuality, but individuality needs society. History holds an important account of the debate between the value of the individual and the value of society (thefreedomthinker). In “Harrison Bergeron,” Kurt Vonnegut talks about how everyone is equal, and “they were not only equal before God and the law, but they were equal every which way” (627). Harrison Bergeron is the individual trying overthrow society. In “The Murder,” Ray Bradbury, talks about how society is so caught up in technology that there is no way to escape it once the individual has entered that world. Society is cruel to the individual being that society is a killer to the individual. The individual has certain standards that society might not accept; likewise

    Read More

  • Is Hamlet A True Hero Essay

    1587 Words  | 4 Pages

    Atticus Finch, from To Kill A Mockingbird, once said, “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting this idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.” History has seen many true heroes --both real and fictional-- such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, and Atticus Finch. True heroes appear to have three common attributes: being meticulous, courageous, and having a desire to rectify a society. Among these heroes is Prince Hamlet. While some people may state that Hamlet is a coward because he isn’t rash, he sits in self-pity, and he has murderous tendencies, he is, in fact, a hero due to being meticulous, courageous, and his desire to rectify Denmark.

    Read More

  • Walt Kowalski; A Genuine American Hero

    1612 Words  | 4 Pages

    A hero is defined as someone who is acknowledged for their courageous and selfless behavior or actions. Clint Eastwood’s character Walt Kowalski, in the film Gran Torino is a stellar example of this definition of a hero. Walt was more than a decorated war hero; he helped his neighbors and community. Eastwood’s character generated opportunities for Thao, a young man who didn’t have a father and lacked guidance. Walt saved Thao’s sister, Sue from an unfavorable situation as well as gave his own life to protect her and her family from a local gang. Walt proved throughout various stages of his life that he was selfless and willing to do the right thing no matter the situation. Walt did whatever it took to preserve peace and save his friends and community from harm. No matter the circumstances Walt’s morals and integrity would not falter. His actions would be above and beyond the average man’s. The movie highlights certain heroic events in Walt’s adult life beginning with his service in the United States Army during the Korean War.

    Read More

More about Harrison Bergeron Archetypes

Open Document