"Harrison Bergeron"

The next story you will read is from author Kurt Vonnegut (1922 - 2007).

He didn't live during the transcendentalist time; however, his themes are a powerful example of what you have studied.

Read Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron."

Citing examples from the story, what can you infer about the type of government that was in existence in the year 2081?

Answer: One can infer that through multiple amendments to the constitution "All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution," that society has changed dramatically. It is stated that people were "equal in every which way."

In the first paragraph, Vonnegut uses the words "unceasing vigilance."
What do these words mean? What implications do they have in the text?

Answer: "Unceasing" means not stopping, or unending. "Vigilance" means watchfulness or alert attention. The use of these words helps to establish a setting and tone for the piece. Vonnegut makes his reader aware of the restrictive and oppressive nature of the government. People in this futuristic society seemingly cannot do anything outside of the watchful eyes of the government.

How does Harrison's rebellion reveal his character and his values? Support your opinion with evidence from the text.

Answer: "Harrison's rebellion reveals his value of individuation and competition in a society. Harrison shouts, "I am the emperor" and "watch me become what I can become." The text states that "Harrison tore the straps of his handicap like wet tissue paper, tore straps guaranteed to support five thousand pounds." This shows that he's freeing himself from the imposed handicaps that the government placed on him. Both his words and actions support that Harrison is a rebel and non-conformist in this futuristic society."

"The Road Not Taken"

Robert Frost (1874 - 1963) is a famous American author whose poetry reflects deeply on universal themes.

Read Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken."

Listen to "The Road Not Taken" (:44)

 

Read the line below from Frost's poem.
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood."
What does the word diverged mean?

  • Appeared
  • Fork
  • Continued
  • Curved

Answer: Fork

Read the line below from Frost's poem.
"And both that morning equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black."
What does the word trodden mean?

  • Walked
  • Raked
  • Tripped
  • Separated

Answer: Walked

Which line below illustrates a nonconformist action?

  • "And looked down one as far as I could"
  • "I doubted if I should ever come back."
  • "I took the one less traveled by"
  • "I shall be telling this with a sigh"

Answer: "I took the one less traveled by"

What is the main theme in this poem?

  • Deciding which road to take while on a nature hike
  • Making choices that may be different from others
  • How to make the best of a past decision
  • Wondering about the choices that others have made

Answer: Making choices that may be different from others

"The Unknown Citizen"

The last selection you will read in this lesson is from W. H. Auden.

In his poem "The Unknown Citizen," the character conforms to society's standards; he has no individuality or identity.

The poem expresses an attitude of conformity: the government makes it seem that everyone else is doing the right thing, so everyone must follow in his footsteps.

Read "The Unknown Citizen"

Listen to "The Unknown Citizen" (2:13)

In the beginning of the poem "The Unknown Citizen," there is a message to the readers that a statue was erected to this person.
Monuments are usually built to honor great people who are heroes. Why do you think the monument was built for the Unknown Citizen?

Answer: "The poem is celebrating conformity. This person "was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be One against whom there was no official complaint, And all the reports on his conduct agree That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint."

Is the Unknown Citizen a hero?

Answer: Heroes stand out in society; the Unknown Citizen does not. He symbolizes the common man because successful people are not admired in this society, "He worked in a factory and never got fired, But satisfied his employers, Fudge Motors Inc."

The genres that you read have similarities and differences, of course.

Some rules must be followed to insure one's place and safety in society; however, two of these pieces illustrate what happens when people begin to conform leaving no room for diversity.