Figurative Language in "Harrison Bergeron": a Critique of Society in The United States

Introduction: Setting the Scene

In Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron," we step into a world that's, well, pretty messed up. It's like the U.S., but everything's out of whack. Here, Vonnegut uses some fancy language tricks—like metaphors and hyperboles—to dig deep into how extreme equality can mess with society. And boy, does he make his point! This essay takes a closer look at Hazel’s comments to see how they highlight the problems with this kind of society.

Hazel's Comments and Ignorance

So, Hazel, she's always saying stuff that makes you stop and think. One thing she says is about how nobody like her is supposed to see or hear the news (Vonnegut). What's up with that? This shows how people are kept in the dark on purpose. It’s like living in a bubble where you can't get real info. Imagine that! A world where critical thinking goes down the drain because folks can't access real news. Scary, right?

The Problem with Forced Equality

Then there's another time when Hazel compares thinking hard to trying to remember a dream (Vonnegut). Ever tried remembering a dream? Exactly—it’s tough. This shows how memories and personal stories just slip away thanks to all those handicaps. It's like everyone forgets who they are or what made them special in the first place. Without these memories, how do you grow as a person? It’s like everybody’s stuck in neutral.

The Trap of Conformity

Hazel also talks about forgetting something for a while and then remembering it again (Vonnegut). Doesn’t that sound like déjà vu? She’s pointing out how society keeps looping back into conformity—people might rebel a bit but then fall back in line. It’s like this never-ending cycle where being unique isn’t allowed to stick around for long.

Manipulation of Language by the Government

And there’s this bit where Hazel says she forgets what she was thinking about (Vonnegut). Sound familiar? Here’s where Vonnegut gets into how those in charge twist language to keep control. Think about it: if they can mess with your memory and twist words, they've got you wrapped around their finger. Truth becomes whatever they say it is!

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

All said and done, Vonnegut really nails it with "Harrison Bergeron." He uses figurative language through Hazel's comments to show us why extreme equality and suppressing individuality are big no-nos. By throwing in metaphors and hyperboles here and there, he gives us plenty to chew on regarding societal pressures.

References

• Vonnegut, K. (1968). Harrison Bergeron. In Welcome to the Monkey House. Dell Publishing.
• Klinkowitz, J., & Somer, D.T., eds. (2009). The Vonnegut Statement. Delta.
• Boon, K.A., & Johnson, J.L., eds. (2015). The Critical Companion to Kurt Vonnegut. Facts on File.
• Matterson, S.E., & Melley T.J., eds. (2017). The Subversive Science: Essays Toward an Ecology of Man . Rutgers University Press.
• Pfister P.E., & Wilhite R.R., eds. (2014). Perspectives on Kurt Vonnegut . Routledge.