Compare And Contrast The Lottery And Harrison Bergeron

What society may consider normal and moral may in fact be immoral and wrongful to humanity. The stories “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross collectively deal with people who live in seemingly dystopian civilizations and how they deal with their situation. “Harrison Bergeron” is the story of a future United States where citizens are forced to wear handicaps to be equal or face dire consequences. “The Lottery” tells of the annual lottery in a small town where the villagers sacrifice one of their own.The Hunger Games has twelve districts send children to fight in the Capitol’s Hunger Games .The protagonist of each story has a conflict against society that has their

Harrison has a moment of defiance when he goes onto live television and declares, “I am Emperor!” (Vonnegut Jr 5). The dystopian society in Harrison Bergeron is one controlled by a powerful and enforcing government. Harrison’s words on television are not taken lightly by society. Although the story suggests Harrison is a madman, he knows that his actions will lead to his death, but for a cause he believes in. Harrison’s physical act of defiance is symbolic of him setting himself free. “Harrison tore the straps off his handicap harness like wet tissue paper, tore straps guaranteed to support five thousand pounds. (Vonnegut Jr 5). By doing this in front of everyone in the United States, Harrison sent a message that the handicaps impair people more than it makes them equal. His removal of the handicaps was a one way trip. The only way for the society to see the dangers of total equality is to expose the Handicapper General as a brutal dictator. Harrison’s revolt is an example of trying to make a difference, even when faced with a life or death

Tessie’s struggle represents a futile attempt at proclaiming society is not as fair as when she protests, “You did not give him enough to pick any paper he wanted! I saw you! It wasnt fair!” (Vonnegut 5). Tessie knows her husband chose from the lottery fairly. Mr Summers pays no attention to her protests to redraw the lottery. Additionally, Tessie having an outburst could give some people a second thought about what their own customs are in society. Tessie’s dying words are, “It isnt fair! It isnt right!” (Vonnegut 8). She makes one final effort to plea for mercy before she is killed. Her fate was sealed once she drew her card and she would have no turning back. The Lottery shows a society in which people show no signs of knowing what their doing is