Unfair Equality
Think of a world where no one can excel in anything; all people are the same. If you were smarter than the average person, handicap earpieces would be in your ear, beeping almost every 20 seconds forcing your mind to freeze up once in a while. The short story, "Harrison Bergeron", by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. describes a story of a place where everyone is equal in smarts, looks, and strengths. A couple, George and Hazel are in this situation, and their son, Harrison is a rebel against the government trying to fight against the communist government. "Harrison Bergeron" is an irony in which the main characters teach an important lesson.
Handicaps are on you restraining your thought; you must be equal with everyone else regardless your level of intelligence. The country in which you live in has a government that controls your ability of excellence. Earpieces are the handicaps that are in your ear signaling beeps that interfere with your thinking schemes every 20 seconds causing you to blank out. This is exactly what George, one of the characters is going through. Hazel, his wife, and George himself are both equal; equal to everyone else in the world. For example, the conversation between George and Hazel proves what the government is forcing the residents of the world to do.
"All of a sudden you look so tired," said Hazel. "Why don't you stretch out on the sofa, so's you can rest your handicap bag on the pillows, honeybunch." She was referring to the forty-seven pounds of birdshot in a canvas bag, which was padlocked around George's neck. "Go on and rest the bag for a little while," she said. "I don't care if you're not equal to me for a while" (244).
Equality is suddenly the most important thing to the government right now, and being equal is the only way to go. The government, and Diana Moon Glampers, part of the government, claims that clever humans should be held back in their academic excellence. The nightmare version of reality in this story are the handicaps preventing you from having a straight and complete thought. When the government has complete control over your life, prohibiting the bright people from accomplishing great things, life really is horrid. Harrison, the couples' son tries to take over and struggles for his life and sanity. Unfortunately, Harrison is shot at the end and death is shown in the story as a completion of the irony.
In addition to the mode of literature, there are characters in this story that face conflicts that go more in depth into their individual personality and how it contributes to the plotline of the story. To begin with, George, who because of his handicaps, he cannot think clearly, his mind is not steady; and for that reason, he can't fight for change. Seeing that George had handicaps for his smarts, not everyone was this way. For example, his wife Hazel, was not the brightest one, the complete opposite. Hazel represents the ignorance in society; meaning, whatever happens in Hazel's point of view is okay. Her mind isn't that advanced to think beyond certain limits. On the other hand, Diana Moon Glampers wants to make everyone equal. This woman symbolizes government and evil; controlling the world as if it is hers. Revolting against the government is the way to proceed; an example would be Harrison. Even though he is 14 year old, he proves that youth can overpower the government and create change. The result of George's low mentality doesn't matter as long as he's got a son who can fight for change.
Each of these characters learn one very important lesson throughout the story. Not everyone is equal, and it's okay. Not everyone will look the same, feel the same, or think the same as anyone else. Not everyone will be equal with and to everyone. Equality between all people in the world is highly impossible. Diana Moon Glampers and the rest of the government should accept this rule. Miracles would have to pass by for everybody to be unison with everybody else. Being different is what makes us human.
In conclusion, the short story, "Harrison Bergeron", follows the plotline of an irony which includes an important lesson between the three main characters. Even though the government tries to make everyone equal, they should fight it. So, keep in mind that equality isn't the most important thing in the world; there are things, such as independent talent, and your own intelligence that matter more.
Personal Narratives
Handicaps are on you restraining your thought; you must be equal with everyone else regardless your level of intelligence. The country in which you live in has a government that controls your ability of excellence. Earpieces are the handicaps that are in your ear signaling beeps that interfere with your thinking schemes every 20 seconds causing you to blank out. This is exactly what George, one of the characters is going through. Hazel, his wife, and George himself are both equal; equal to everyone else in the world. For example, the conversation between George and Hazel proves what the government is forcing the residents of the world to do.
"All of a sudden you look so tired," said Hazel. "Why don't you stretch out on the sofa, so's you can rest your handicap bag on the pillows, honeybunch." She was referring to the forty-seven pounds of birdshot in a canvas bag, which was padlocked around George's neck. "Go on and rest the bag for a little while," she said. "I don't care if you're not equal to me for a while" (244).
Equality is suddenly the most important thing to the government right now, and being equal is the only way to go. The government, and Diana Moon Glampers, part of the government, claims that clever humans should be held back in their academic excellence. The nightmare version of reality in this story are the handicaps preventing you from having a straight and complete thought. When the government has complete control over your life, prohibiting the bright people from accomplishing great things, life really is horrid. Harrison, the couples' son tries to take over and struggles for his life and sanity. Unfortunately, Harrison is shot at the end and death is shown in the story as a completion of the irony.
In addition to the mode of literature, there are characters in this story that face conflicts that go more in depth into their individual personality and how it contributes to the plotline of the story. To begin with, George, who because of his handicaps, he cannot think clearly, his mind is not steady; and for that reason, he can't fight for change. Seeing that George had handicaps for his smarts, not everyone was this way. For example, his wife Hazel, was not the brightest one, the complete opposite. Hazel represents the ignorance in society; meaning, whatever happens in Hazel's point of view is okay. Her mind isn't that advanced to think beyond certain limits. On the other hand, Diana Moon Glampers wants to make everyone equal. This woman symbolizes government and evil; controlling the world as if it is hers. Revolting against the government is the way to proceed; an example would be Harrison. Even though he is 14 year old, he proves that youth can overpower the government and create change. The result of George's low mentality doesn't matter as long as he's got a son who can fight for change.
Each of these characters learn one very important lesson throughout the story. Not everyone is equal, and it's okay. Not everyone will look the same, feel the same, or think the same as anyone else. Not everyone will be equal with and to everyone. Equality between all people in the world is highly impossible. Diana Moon Glampers and the rest of the government should accept this rule. Miracles would have to pass by for everybody to be unison with everybody else. Being different is what makes us human.
In conclusion, the short story, "Harrison Bergeron", follows the plotline of an irony which includes an important lesson between the three main characters. Even though the government tries to make everyone equal, they should fight it. So, keep in mind that equality isn't the most important thing in the world; there are things, such as independent talent, and your own intelligence that matter more.
Personal Narratives
Excitement and Exhaustion
Another humid morning in the Disney Parks strolling through the streets. Navigating my way through the crowds of people, while deciding what rides look thrilling enough to consider riding. Screams from the rollercoaster and the looks of the variety of colors everywhere catches my eye, guiding it all around the place. Days and days of walking, touring, riding. Hours and hours of waiting, standing, sweating. While the sweat dripped from my body and the muscles in my leg started to tighten up, the never ending line finally moved -- an inch. Another ride passes us by, the wait times still the same as the last one. As we walk past rides, we tried to determine which ones are actually worth it.
"Oooh! A Toy Story ride!" My brother calls out to me. "Can we go? Can we go? Can we go?"
"I wish, but it's 120 minutes!" I reply.
But of course, instead of conjuring up another argument, my dad settled it by saying, "okay, fine." Not that I didn't want to go on the ride; it was so long! Obviously, we were exhausted with all the walking and exercise we’ve gotten the past few days, but I guess, being in Disney World, wanting to go on a ride, you've just got to wait!
Lingering impatiently in a line makes your brain wander everywhere. However, while standing outside in that miserable heat, I felt faint, but soon after, the door inside the building started to appear visible from where I was standing. Finally! AC and nice floors to sit on! Inside the building, there were life size objects, such as life size cards, toys, and game pieces. It was fascinating admiring those humungous materials, almost makes me feel as if the setting was real. Hmm, I wonder…
I feel as if I was literally transported back all the way in time with the Woody and Buzz. It felt life changing, but I knew it wasn't real; just a dream going on in my head. Playing a friendly game of poker and laughing like I came to life with all the other toys. Then, in the midst of my lovely dream, away from all the heat and exhaustion, we moved an inch! ONE INCH! I was extremely surprised. I asked my dad how many minutes had past, and it wasn't many. So, I continued onto my dream. What if I was a toy that came to life? All my adventures as a little toy living in a big world were marvelous! When we sat down for a game of scrabble, I felt really weird, it felt really weird. The game pieces were so massive, and larger than me! Unfortunately, while enjoying my lovely adventure, we were moving pretty rapidly. Before I knew it, we were at the front of the line; the next ones to board the train car into our real adventure, taking place in reality! Toy Story Mania, this ride was definitely worth the wait. Both the ride through reality and the ride through my own imagination were filled with lots and lots of fun.
Only Child
Years of freedom, the princess of the family, getting all the attention. However, I figured something out that I knew would change all that. I was going to have a brother. Mixed emotions wander in my mind; excitement and trouble. I felt how any other kid would probably feel, annoyed that I was being ignored. Within this feeling, I still managed to live a pretty decent life, not worrying about being an only child, because looking back on everything that happened, it made my life something more, and better.
Months before the birth of my upcoming brother, I was perfectly joyful without someone else stealing my spotlight. Consistently, I would get excited; but, other times, I wondered why it had to happen. Constantly, I would want to name my brother Arthur, from the TV show Arthur. Realistically, that could be a name, but keep in mind, I was five years old.
Almost five months passed by, and I was prepared for a baby in the house. When September came, I felt more anxious than my parents. Random questions raced through my mind at times. Such as, how would everyone treat me? Would I be less special than my brother. Even though I was uncertain of my feelings, there was nothing I could do or say.
As the days elapsed, and the clock ticked, it was time. My dad picked me up from my best friend's house to take me to the hospital, I was feeling scared and eager at the same time to finally see my new baby brother; and let me say, he was as cute as a button. I twirled in my red-white-blue dress as a sight of happiness. Unfortunately, he was named Karthik, not Arthur.
I was very fortunate to be blessed with a brother as sweet and cute as Karthik. Although, sometimes, I wish the entire opposite of that.
Lost at the Louvre: Priceless!
April 9th, 2009 marked the date of the priceless day in Paris. The four of us were exploring the most memorable and famous museum in the entire world while keeping a close watch of each other. Heading towards the Mona Lisa, we realized the jam packed crowd. As we twisted and turned between people, it finally came into sight; the most beautiful painting in the world. Seeing that 2 security guards and a large rope barricade was in front of it, we slowly backed out of the swarms of tourists. One of the greatest works of art in history was in front of me, as I was admiring its beauty.
Sadly, we separated not long into our fun little exploration. While resting on a velvet bench, my brother and dad walked away to just see what was there to see in the upcoming rooms. I guess you could say we were, deaf, and not hearing a word he said. You could also guess that it all went downhill from there.
Not knowing anything as to where they might have vanished to, a thought of calling them didn't work. So, we walked lonely and hopelessly through the museum without a shred of clue. Whatever would happen next, if per say, we never found them? Anxiousness and fear race through my mind hoping to transform into pleasant thoughts.
With all hope, we were able to rejoin our family about 4 hours later. Unfortunately, we still had 30 minutes left to finish our exploring.
