Compare And Contrast The Allegory Of The Cave And Harrison Bergeron

“Life isn’t fair.” It’s been said a thousand times before, and Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave” and Kurt Vonnegut's “Harrison Bergeron” prove this. But how can two seemingly different stories be so similar? Though Plato wrote his piece around 380 BC, and Vonnegut wrote his in the early 1960s, the two have a multitude in common. In a way, “Harrison Bergeron” is a modern retelling of “The Allegory of the Cave.” But, before one can begin to comprehend their similarities, one must first understand their differences. Otherwise, the similarities may not be as clear. The first obvious difference is that the two stories take place in different time periods--Vonnegut's in 2081, and Plato’s in, presumably, the year it is written. Secondly, the pieces

In the story, the 211th, 212th, and 213th amendments have been passed, and “Everybody is finally equal” (para. 1). In order for the government to ensure this extreme equality, people are required to wear “handicaps.” The intelligent wear earpieces to stop their deep thoughts, the beautiful wear hideous masks, and so on. These handicaps strip people most of their rights in the 1st Amendment, and make everyone equal. The 1st Amendment promotes freedom and individuality and ind, and freedom is not always equal (U.S. Constitution: Bill of Rights). In the story, Harrison Bergeron is a young man who is upset with the way the government treats citizens in their attempt to create total equality. Harrison’s father, George, wears an earpiece, for he is very intelligent. Harrison’s mother, Hazel, is of average intelligence, and is very dimwitted. Harrison, much like his father, is very wise, but even more so. He outgrows and outsmarts his handicaps, and is continually given new ones. One day in April, Harrison is taken by the government, away from his family, and is put in jail (Vonnegut para. 2). At one point, Harrison decides to share his feelings on life, and broadcasts them on television. The government doesn’t like his act of retaliation, so they kill

In “Harrison Bergeron,” people are kept from reaching their full potential. They’re held back in order to make everyone equal. People are required to be normal, which is exactly like Hazel. “Who knows better’n I do what normal is?” Hazel says (Vonnegut para. 29). The idea of personal potential is almost forbidden in this society. Society tells these people that equality means everyone must be the same. Personal potential is the point of success that one can reach, but no one in America in the year 2081 can reach that point. When Harrison removes his handicaps, he enjoys life without them. Without his handicaps, he dances, and is happy (Vonnegut para.