Harrison Bergeron Theme Essay

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The theme of the story is the abstract subject or the story on the level of ideas. The theme begins to emerge as we observe the interactions of elements such as conflict and character. The theme of the short story Harrison Bergeron revolves around the power of complete equality. In the short story, it is suggested that complete equality is not an idea worth striving for as many people today are led to believe. It is instead something that is dangerous. The beautiful must wear masks or disfigure themselves, the intelligent must deal with ear splitting noises that hinder their ability to think and those who are strong or otherwise talented must wear weights or handicaps. The citizens in the short story believe in this form of equality either …show more content…

In the short story, Harrison represents a spark of defiance and distinction that exists in only a few people today. Unlike the majority of characters in the story, he lacks cowardice and a sense of passivity. He is instead a large, strong and brave man who wants power. When he charges into the TV studio and announces that he is the emperor, he sounds insane however, he reminds everyone that is watching TV that they too are talented and gifted. Unfortunately, Harrison's sense of rebellion is killed in cold blood. All of this suggests that if any defiant or rebellious spirit still exists in society, its days are numbered. Harrison was killed quickly and efficiently in cold blood. This technique is effectively used as it shows how governments may operate in todays and a future society. Conflict is a problem that has to be solved or an obstacle that has to be overcome. The conflict in Harrison Bergeron is an external one between himself and society. In the story, equality has been achieved by handicapping intelligent, athletic or appealing members of society. This is done so nobody will feel inferior to one another. Harrison Bergeron as the protagonist of the story bears the qualities of intelligence and strength and is therefore forced to wear these handicaps. The element is effectively used in the short story as without conflict, the story essentially has no plot. The entire story focuses on how Harrison retaliates against society and its extreme form of equality. This is his conflict. Without it, there is no

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