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Theme Of Old Glory And Harrison Bergeron

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The authors of “Harrison Bergeron” and “Old Glory” develop the themes of their stories by using various similar nd different futuristic details. The theme of “Harrison Bergeron” is how total equality is dangerous and the theme of “Old Glory” is how freedom should be unrestricted. First, both short stories have new technology and laws that makes sure that people don’t rebel against the government. In “Harrison Bergeron”, everyone has a handicap so that they are all equal. For example, George Bergeron had bags of birdshot on his chest that weighed him down; There were serious consequences for anyone who decided to take out even the smallest amount of birdshot. This detail helps develop the theme of the story “Harrison Bergeron” because it shows that total equality really is dangerous for people who just want relief. In “Old Glory”, every single flag was fire proof because the government forbade anyone from burning the flag and rebelling against the government. This helps develop the theme of “Old Glory” because when Arthur decides to rebel, he should at least be able to say what he wants; The inability to express himself caused chaos instead. …show more content…

Today, people have freedom of speech, but in both futuristic settings people are not allowed to speak freely in protest to the government. In “Harrison Bergeron”, Harrison tried to express himself by protesting the new amendments. Diana Moon Glampers however, made sure that Harrison didn’t try to give anyone any ideas, so she shot and killed him. So, this shows the elimination of a perceived threat towards the government. In “Old Glory”, oppression is exhibited when Arthur tries to address his feelings about the new law. Arthur is oppressed by the government when they shoot him without consulting him. Overall, these details help develop the themes of both stories because it shows that they both have an oppressive

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