Comparing Dystopia In Harrison Bergeron And The Hunger Games

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A dystopian often an illusion of a utopia is a society set in the future where the people are led by a totalitarian government or a figurehead that has complete and utter rule over its citizens. They are persistently monitored and live in fear of going against the Higher Power. In novels, short stories, and movies with dystopian society settings, there are themes and symbolism each one shares. The types of control such as propaganda, fear, no sense of individualism, immense lack of freedom, etc are all portrayed throughout the story. The protagonists are also depicted sharing the same rebellious attitude whether it be passive or openly. 1984, “Harrison Bergeron” and The Hunger Games'' are perfect examples of novels, short stories, and movie …show more content…

In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith battles against oppression in Oceania, a place where the “Inner Party” scrutinizes human actions with always watching Big Brother. In the short story “Harrison Bergeron” by author Kurt Vonnegut, Jr a nation in 2081 wants to practice equality in order to stop competition so the citizens are required to wear restraints also known as “handicaps” which are constituted by the new 211th, 212, and 213th amendments, anyone who is athletic, beautiful, or intelligent is a threat to the country. In The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross Katniss Everdeen forces herself to step in for her little sister in the 75th hunger games which is designed by the capitol to take two teams from each of the twelve districts to fight to the death until only one survives and the reward is food for the poverty driven starving district. Whether it’s a novel, short story, or film, each possesses focuses on similar characteristics and …show more content…

It is used to weaken the citizen’s souls enough to stop all future uprisings and to keep higher authority powerful. In the novel 1984 Control is the most evident theme throughout the entire book. The citizens are manipulated into thinking they are in a perfect society and every other society is to be hated, that is why they have the 2 minute hate. The peoples own thoughts are a crime and punishable by the Thought Police who are always monitoring the people. Winston works for the Ministry of Truth where he must erase all of history before the Inner Party and Big Brother. Winston is captured by the Thought Police for hating big brother and is sent to room 101 where he is brainwashed and tortured into loving big brother. In the short story “Harrison Bergeron” control is implemented through the handicap devices everyone is required by law to wear. Taking off any of your handicaps can be punishable through prison, fine, or death Vonnegut writes “ “All of a sudden you look so tired,” said Hazel. “Why don’t you stretch out on the sofa, so’s you can rest your handicap bag on the pillows, honeybunch.” She was referring to the forty-seven pounds of birdshot in a canvas bag, which was padlocked around George’s neck. “Go on and rest the bag for a little while” she said. “ I don’t care if you’re not equal to me for a while.” (Vonnegut 2) Vonnegut

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