Harrison Bergeron This presentation is dedicated to the analysis of ‘Harrison Bergeron’

Harrison Bergeron Complete the worksheet titled ‘Analysis of a story’

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible link to ‘1984’ “Nobody was smarter…th an anybody else” RepetitionEmphasising the fact that all citizens were the same; there is no such thing as being unique The Repetition of the word ‘nobody’ also allows for the concept that the citizens in this world are nobody. They simply serve a high purpose. The citizens of Oceania. They are rationed food, clothes and all other daily needs. This can link to the same idea; no one is special and, therefore, does not deserve anything more than anyone else (those in section of the hierarchy Winston is in). The fact that the citizens also are there to serve

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible links to ‘1984’ “ And George, while his intelligence was way above normal....unfair advantage of their brains.” Characterisatio n; physical and mental qualities This demonstrates George is different to others and therefore, needs to be restrained. In a world were everyone is equal, George stands out. The characterisation continues to show he is different as his radio transmitter is monitored and issued by the government. This alludes to the fact he is closely monitored by the government  Winston stands out as a character because he thinks differently and questions the world around him  Winston is also monitored

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible links to ‘1984’ “A buzzer sounded in George’s head...burglar alarm.” Onomatopoeia Simile  The effect of the sound quality offers the reader an insight into what George is hearing. It shows that the sounds are used to disturb his thought process.  The use of the simile offers a heightened tone as it uses words such as ‘fled’ and ‘panic’. It also shows the theme of danger through the nouns ‘bandits’ and ‘burglar alarm.’ These ideas put together suggest thinking is a dangerous activity. George needs to ‘steal’ his thoughts as a robber would steal precious items.  Winston is not allowed to think for himself; Thought Police. The risk in this involves torture and vaporization.

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible link to ‘1984’ “It was such a doozy that George was white and trembling...holding their temples.” Sarcasm Tone  The use of sarcasm to act as George's voice reinforces his above intelligence when contrasted with Hazel’s conversation.  The overall tone is not sarcastic. The use of words such as ‘trembling’ and ‘tears’ represents the world they live in.  It also shows that George is not alone in his inability to fit into the norm through the mention of the ballerina’s  Can link to Winston’s character as we are exposed to Winston's thought’s during the ‘2 Minute Hates’  The contrast is, besides Julia, Winston is alone in his plight against Big Brother.

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible link to ‘1984’ “ If I tried to get away with it...I’d hate it’ said Hazel.” Hyperbole Time Imagery The use of exaggeration of what the world would be like if equality of all did not exist. This is reinforced through the time imagery of ‘the dark ages’. A time when people were dying of disease in the millions suggesting present- day would become ‘diseased’ with such freedom should he break the rules. This is evidence of inculcation (teaching or impressing upon the mind by frequent instruction or repetition) where the strictures (A restriction on a person or activity) of society are embedded in his mind. George mindlessly echoes what is being reinforced through government propaganda. This idea extends to his transmitter as this is the one of the causes of his inculcative behavior. Winston’s reluctance to help Julia after she falls. Even though he is intelligent his behaviour also echoes inculcation as he lives in fear of Big Brother which is result of mind manipulation and propaganda.

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible link to ‘1984’ “Harrison Bergeron, age fourteen...a s extremely dangerous. ”” Culmination Emotive Language The listing of all the qualities Harrison is known for demonstrates he is a serious threat as he will disturb the natural order of things through his difference of intelligence. Tis also links to the idea that knowledge is power and is as dangerous as a gun. The use of words such as ‘under-handicapped’ and ‘extremely dangerous’ emphasis how severe a threat Harrison is.  Knowledge is power in the novel as well; ‘Goldstein’s Book, NewSpeak, new dictionary editions, changing of history, ban of personal writing tools (diaries)

QuoteTechniqu e EffectPossible links to ‘1984’ The use of handicaps on the citizens: George's handicap Harrison ripping off the handicap Harrison snapping off the handicap from the ballerina’s ear Metaphor Symbolis m The handicaps are a metaphor to represent the power of the government. Those who are in handicap’s are a threat to the government and in turn, the citizen’s as they can influence others (as seen through Harrison’s example) The handicap’s are also symbolic as they symbolises chains like those own by criminals or those who are a threat to society. The fact that Harrison rips them off symbolises the breaking free of the rules and laws imposed by the government The constant monitoring of citizens, instilling of fear through manipulation, the boundaries of Oceania, the lack of knowledge or distorted knowledge can all link to the symbolism of bondage enforced by those in power.

QuoteTechniq ue EffectPossible links to ‘1984’ “ Harrison and the Empress merely listened to the music...synchronizi ng their heartbeats with it.” Imagery of Sound through feeling  This is the first instance of feeling in the story that is represented in a positive way.  The use of imagery links the act of rebellion from outside influences (music) to internal feelings (heartbeat). It also symbolises the spark of love and freedom all associated with matters of the heart. When Julia and Winston are alone and they speak from the heart without fear of what they are saying Julia’s letter to Winston When Julia brings in outside delicacies such as coffee, sugar and jam. The overwhelming emotions are examples of the same idea.

QuoteTechniqu e EffectPossible links to ‘1984’ “Screams and barking cries of consternation...dancing to the tune of an earthquake.” Simile Symbolism Foreshadowing  The use of comparing Harrison’s movements to that of an earthquake shows the impact he is having on society  Symbolism lies in the movement of Harrison. His movement is not graceful as the previous conditioned dancing of the ballerinas. This reinforces the impact of his rebellion  The foreshadowing in this quote is seen through the noun ‘earthquake’. As earthquakes can have disastrous effects, so will the outcome of this rebellion. Winston’s rebellion is not as dramatic, if anything it is one of silence through words and secret locations This can be contrasted to show how Winston is indoctrinated with fear that even though he knows the ways of those on power is wrong, his fear of consequence prevents him from attempting such a spectacle of rebellion.

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible link to ‘1984’ “He flung away his rubber-ball nose...have awed Thor, the god of thunder.” Allusion Motif of the idea of natural sounds  Alluding the mighty god Thor gives strength to how powerful this gesture is.  Using the motif of natural sounds links to the idea of creating a scene through their actions. This can also be linked to the major symbol of noises. Noises are used to keep the people in line however, this is contrasted with making the people aware of their shackles.  Julia’s dressing up for Winston and her application of make-up show a similar idea. They both defy the ways of their dictatorship and for the same reasons.

QuoteTechniqueEffectPossible links to ‘1984’ “They reeled...like a deer on the moon.” Symbolism of the movements of dance and alluding to Diana Moon Glampers The use of culmination to describe their dance movements offers symbolism to the very notion of dance. In the beginning of the story dance is conducted the way authority saw fit and with the shackles of chains. Here the pair are using dance as a symbol to mock authority and to emphasis their freedom of the chains. The mockery of authority continues through the line ‘They leaped like deer on the moon’ which directly alludes to Diana Moon Glampers. o When Julia and Winston are in Mr. Charrington’s rented room and a rat is seen. The reaction and conversation about the rat and the sub-text behind their conversation can be a possible link. The rat is used as a symbol for Big Brother. This is Winston's ultimate fear. The contrast here is that the rats are used to highlight Winston’s fear while Harrison uses reference to authority as a mockery to show his defiance.