Harrison Bergeron 1961 by Kurt Vonnegut vs. The Giver (1994) by Lois Lowry

Attribute	Harrison Bergeron 1961 by Kurt Vonnegut	The Giver (1994) by Lois Lowry
Author	Kurt Vonnegut	Lois Lowry
Publication Year	1961	1994
Genre	Science Fiction	Dystopian Fiction
Setting	Future United States	Dystopian Society
Protagonist	Harrison Bergeron	Jonas

Introduction

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut and The Giver by Lois Lowry are two dystopian novels that explore the consequences of a society that values equality above all else. While both novels present a world where individuality is suppressed in the name of sameness, they do so in different ways. This article will compare the attributes of Harrison Bergeron and The Giver, examining how each author approaches the theme of equality and its impact on society.

Setting

In Harrison Bergeron, the story is set in a future America where the government enforces equality by handicapping those who are above average in any way. This results in a society where no one is allowed to excel in any area, whether it be intelligence, strength, or beauty. The Giver, on the other hand, takes place in a seemingly utopian community where emotions and memories are suppressed in order to maintain peace and harmony. Both settings create a sense of unease and tension, as the characters are forced to conform to strict rules and regulations in order to maintain the status quo.

Protagonists

The protagonists of Harrison Bergeron and The Giver, George and Jonas respectively, are both young men who begin to question the society they live in. George is a highly intelligent individual who is constantly handicapped by the government in order to bring him down to the level of his peers. Jonas, on the other hand, is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories, a role that exposes him to the pain and suffering that has been erased from the memories of the community. Both protagonists struggle with the limitations placed on them by society, leading them to rebel in their own ways.

Themes

One of the central themes in both Harrison Bergeron and The Giver is the idea of individuality versus conformity. In Harrison Bergeron, individuality is seen as a threat to the stability of society, leading to extreme measures being taken to ensure that everyone is equal. In The Giver, individuality is suppressed in order to maintain peace and harmony, but at the cost of losing the richness and depth of human experience. Both novels explore the consequences of valuing equality above all else, showing that true equality may come at the expense of personal freedom and expression.

Plot

The plot of Harrison Bergeron follows George and his wife Hazel as they navigate a world where everyone is forced to wear handicaps in order to level the playing field. When their son Harrison breaks free from his restraints and declares himself emperor, he is quickly taken down by the government, highlighting the dangers of individuality in a society that values conformity. The Giver, on the other hand, follows Jonas as he learns the truth about his community and the sacrifices that have been made in order to maintain peace. Both plots are driven by the protagonists' desire to break free from the constraints placed on them by society, leading to dramatic and thought-provoking conclusions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harrison Bergeron and The Giver are two powerful novels that explore the consequences of a society that values equality above all else. While they approach the theme of equality in different ways, both authors raise important questions about the nature of individuality, conformity, and freedom. By comparing the attributes of Harrison Bergeron and The Giver, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of a world where sameness is valued over uniqueness. These novels serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the differences that make us human.