Harrison Bergeron vs. Plato's Republic

Attribute	Harrison Bergeron	Plato's Republic
Author	Kurt Vonnegut	Plato
Genre	Dystopian fiction	Philosophical fiction
Main Theme	Equality	Justice
Setting	Future United States	Ancient Greece
Government System	Dystopian society with handicaps	Philosopher-kings ruling

Introduction

Harrison Bergeron, a short story by Kurt Vonnegut, and Plato's Republic, a philosophical work by Plato, may seem like two very different pieces of literature at first glance. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there are several similarities in the themes and attributes of the two works. Both Harrison Bergeron and Plato's Republic explore the concept of equality, albeit in very different ways. This article will delve into the similarities and differences between the two works, highlighting the key attributes of each.

Equality

In Harrison Bergeron, the government enforces equality by handicapping those who are naturally talented or intelligent in order to level the playing field. This extreme form of equality results in a society where no one is allowed to excel or stand out in any way. Similarly, in Plato's Republic, the concept of equality is explored through the idea of a perfectly just society where each individual has a specific role to play based on their abilities. This ensures that everyone is treated fairly and that no one is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged.

Government Control

Both Harrison Bergeron and Plato's Republic depict a society where the government exerts significant control over its citizens. In Harrison Bergeron, this control is manifested through the use of handicaps to suppress individuality and ensure equality. In Plato's Republic, the government control is more subtle, with the philosopher-kings ruling over the society and making decisions for the greater good of all. While the methods of control differ between the two works, the underlying theme of government authority is present in both.

Individuality

One of the key differences between Harrison Bergeron and Plato's Republic is the treatment of individuality. In Harrison Bergeron, individuality is suppressed in the name of equality, with those who dare to stand out being punished for their differences. On the other hand, Plato's Republic values individuality within the context of each person fulfilling their designated role in society. While both works address the concept of individuality, they do so in very different ways, highlighting the contrasting views on the importance of personal identity.

Utopian Society

Both Harrison Bergeron and Plato's Republic present visions of a utopian society, albeit with very different outcomes. In Harrison Bergeron, the pursuit of equality at all costs leads to a dystopian world where creativity and individuality are stifled. In contrast, Plato's Republic envisions a utopian society where justice and harmony reign supreme, with each individual contributing to the greater good of the whole. While both works explore the idea of a perfect society, they offer vastly different interpretations of what that society would look like.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harrison Bergeron and Plato's Republic may seem like unlikely companions, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that they share several key attributes. Both works explore the themes of equality, government control, individuality, and utopian society, albeit in very different ways. While Harrison Bergeron presents a bleak vision of a world where equality comes at the expense of individuality, Plato's Republic offers a more optimistic view of a society where justice and harmony prevail. By comparing and contrasting these two works, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the challenges of creating a truly just society.