Lies And Deception In Vonnegut's The Stolen Party

In today’s world, there is a substantial amount of fake and manipulated information spread around the world. Whether in the media or during conversations, there will always be false information. Individuals in positions of power will often abuse their privilege to manipulate or take advantage of what people see in their everyday lives, using lies and deception to cover up the problems of the world. In the short story Harrison Bergeon, the government which is led by the agents of the United States Handicapper General creates the illusion that the world is better when everybody is equal in every way “Nobody was smarter than anybody else” (Vonnegut 175). The laws create a miserable society where no one has free will, instead of the perfect world

“I always do,” said Hazel. “That’s my girl” (Vonnegut 181). Because of Hazel’s average intelligence, she is unable to remember something as tragic as the death of her son. George would presumably be unable to fully process his son’s death because of his disability. Vonnegut’s story shows that it is impossible for everything to be equal and that everyone's lives would be miserable if restricted and taken advantage of by those in positions of power. After reading this story, the reader gains an appreciation for truth and freedom and is shown how ideas often work in theory but not always in practice. In The Stolen Party by Lilana Heker, a young girl named Rosaura and her mother are invited to a party. The hosts and the other guests all act very polite to them, but in reality, they look down on them and treat them differently. This is due to her mother working as a maid for the household. Rosaura believes that she is being invited because of her friendship with Luciana, the birthday girl. But her mother told her otherwise “I’m going because I’ve been invited,” she said. “And I’ve been invited because Luciana is my friend. So there.” “Ah yes, your friend,” her mother grumbled. She paused to look at