Why Read Harrison Bergeron Analysis

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Journal Entry #1: Why Read? In the essay, “Why Read?” the author illustrates the meaning of reading and the benefits reading brings through the roles readers may play. To begin, the first task of readers discussed in this piece is to preserve literature’s content. Even if the information isn’t directly shared with another person, the author explains how readers determine which books will be remembered, simply by contributing to the piece’s popularity. The next task of which the reader plays is interpreting the text, which involves evaluating it and finding significance, whether personal or not. Each person has different background experiences, and therefore will perceive a literature piece differently. Another role the reader can play is in …show more content…

Depicting a world where everyone is artificially made equal through the relentless use of “handicaps”, Vonnegut highlights the folly of their motives through their incessant need to stifle any sign of greatness. Written in omniscient third-person, the primary struggle is illustrated through the main character, Harrison Bergeron, who is superior to the average person, both mentally and physically. When he escapes, it creates great panic as Diana Moon Glampers, the “Handicapper General”, intently works to stop him. When he is finally apprehended, the irony of the story is shown when his own parents, watching him on T.V. at home, forget the event ever occurred because of their handicaps, and thus, reflects the level of intelligence to which society has …show more content…

Darcy is arrogant because of his wealth. Furthermore, it is shown that social class has a negative impact on relationships. In the story, Mr. Darcy breaks up Jane and Mr. Bingley’s relationship, because he did not believe that her connections are as comparable to that of his friend’s. However, it is quite apparent that Jane is a very suitable wife for Mr. Bingley, considering their affection, and her compatibility with his character (they were like-minded in their kindness, accommodation of others, and gentle spirit). Therefore, this demonstrates that concern with social class can have an adverse effect on creating relationships, even preventing potentially fruitful ones. Another factor Austen expresses in Pride and Prejudice is the detrimental effects of superficiality. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s marriage was one set on outward appearance; they fell in love only on the basis of youth and beauty. At the present, Mr. Bennet no longer has as much affection for Mrs. Bennet as he did in his younger age, as beauty and youth are but temporary. Austen reinforces the universal message concerning the downfall of society, when obsessed with merely physical value. Pride and Prejudice deals with many societal standards by exposing the flaws of the fictional characters; flaws, which are very much present in the struggles of people