“Harrison Bergeron” A perfect world?

Review of types of irony Irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually happens (reality) Situational Irony: This form of irony occurs when what happens is different than what is expected to happen.

Verbal and Dramatic Irony When the audience is aware of something or knows more about a character’s situation than a character does, making the audience aware that a specific outcome will occur that is not expected by the character a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant by a character Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony

Satire Sarcasm (verbal irony) is used to ridicule the shortcomings of a society, an individual, or an institution in order to draw attention to flaws, evil, or wrongdoing

For discussion prior to reading What is your idea of a perfect society or a perfect world? Brainstorm with your group about what qualities society would have in place in order for everyone to be equal. Would this be a “utopia” or a perfect world? Why or why not?

A good idea gone bad Some authors present what would appear to create or provide a “utopia,” but this actually creates more problems than it solves, creating what is called a “dystopia”.

Reaction to reading “Harrison Bergeron” What type of world exists in “Harrison Bergeron” Does it achieve the goal of “equality”?

Post-reading Questions 1. What is the purpose of competition? Do you think it is beneficial or harmful? 2. What is the purpose of handicapping? What sports use handicapping? 3. Why has handicapping become law in Bergeron’s community? 4. Is society improved as a result? 2. Handicapping is a method of offsetting the varying abilities or characteristics of competitors in order to give each an equal chance of winning in sports? 2b. (golf, horse racing, baseball) 3. In an attempt to make everyone equal, all competitive advantages are equalized or taken away. 4. No, by taking away any advantage or above average skill, everyone is exactly the same. There is no competition nor any individuality.

In groups, determine what “flaws” are being mocked through this story? 5. List all the examples of situational irony in the story. Make sure to write down quotes and page numbers.

Situational irony A person’s right to use an ability is taken away to make everyone equal which creates inequality (175) announcers all have speech impediments A person with: above average intelligence is forced to have an inability to think above average strength is made weak above average beauty is made ugly above average grace (lightness on feet) is made to be awkward and clumsy This is not an exhaustive list! Only some examples are noted above.

Verbal irony Hazel says “That dance – it was nice” (176). There is a discrepancy between what Hazel thinks and what she says.

Dramatic irony We know that Harrison is dead but his parents don’t even realize it since it’s shocked out of their thoughts.

What is most ironic about this story? An attempt to create equality creates oppression.

Symbols 6. What are some symbols in the story? What do they represent? Birdshot (weight represents heaviness of the restrictions of this type of society Masks Shocks Ear pieces Weights

7. a) What parts of the story are most exaggerated 7. a) What parts of the story are most exaggerated? b) What do you think was the author’s purpose in using exaggeration so extensively? c) What flaws does it point out about a literal equality created in society? The extent of the handicaps, as they affect people’s ability to live their lives comfortably. The fear that is created as it is a dictatorship in which everyone is controlled by DMG.

Theme: What is the central message the author wants the reader to understand about life, human nature, or the human condition? Write a theme statement about the point that you think the author is trying to make through the use of irony.

Reflecting Go back to the brainstorm of what your utopia would look like, and now consider its flaws. What are the potential problems that exist or could exist?

Connection to our lives What are some examples in our society that although have the intentions of creating equality, actually create inequality? Affirmative action

STAMP What is STAMP? Information you should make note of every time you read a story. STAMP: Setting, tone, atmosphere, mood, and point of view

Thursday, Sept. 21st: In-class structured paragraph