Hi Class,
I hope you were well entertained by Preston’s visit to class today. I’m sure you were. JI am typing this up while I wait at the hospital for my husband’s surgery. I’d like for you to be ready for your vocabulary quiz and your literary terms quiz when I come back to class next week. I will post a link to a couple of short stories I’d like for you to read over the week. The first is “Harrison Bergeron” and the second is “The Scarlet Ibis.” I would like for you to focus on theme. We will discuss this in class, so have an answer ready if I call on you. JYou will also need to answer the following questions listed under the links.
You will need to pick up the book The Hatchet, if you haven’t already for next week.
“Harrison Bergeron”—try this site: https://archive.org/stream/HarrisonBergeron/Harrison%20Bergeron_djvu.txt
Please answer five of the following questions about this story:
1. In 2081, there have been 213 Amendments added to the U.S. Constitution. What does this show us about government in the story?
2. Find and write down the simile Vonnegut uses when he describes George Bergeron’s thoughts. Then, explain what’s compelling about the use of this particular simile. What can the reader infer from the use of this simile?
3. In this story, equality is highly valued and extreme steps are taken to ensure that no one has an advantage over anyone else. List three ways that a person who is seen as more attractive, intelligent, or athletic might be handicapped by the government.
4. Give two concrete examples from the text showing that, despite the government’s extreme efforts, people still aren’t equal in this society.
5. After the announcer fumbles the bulletin and has to be replaced, Hazel says that he should still be given a raise because “he tried. That’s the big thing. He tried to do the best he could with what God gave him.” Is Hazel right? Should people be given credit at their workplaces or in school simply for trying, regardless of the result? Give a real-life example from your life, studies, or observations to support your stance.
6. Harrison Bergeron, a genius and stellar athlete, must carry three hundred pounds in “the race of life.” In today’s world, is there a burden that exceptional people must carry? Think about both classmates and famous people as you examine this issue and explain your answer.
7. What does Harrison’s declaration as he frees himself from his shackles show us about power? About liberation?
8. Look at the narrator’s description of Harrison and the ballerina. What simile does the narrator use to describe the couple? How does this simile serve as an element of foreshadowing?
9. Why aren’t Harrison’s parents more emotionally impacted by the death of their son? In what way are some Americans today similar to George and Hazel Bergeron?
10. At the end of the story, what is George’s advice to his wife? Is this good advice? Explain your answer.
11. “Harrison Bergeron” was published in 1961 in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, and many scholars have suggested that the story should be viewed as a parable. Given the tensions in the U.S. during this period of history, what larger point might Kurt Vonnegut Jr. have been trying to make to the reader?
“The Scarlet Ibis” This link should work:
Please answer the following question on this story:
Symbolically connect Doodle to the Scarlet Ibis. First, give three specific similarities that prove the author wanted us to see a connection between the boy and the bird. Then, explain the message of the writer. What larger point was he trying to make to the reader?
As far as the house point challenge this week, I’ve been thinking. This week, many folks have shown us kindness during my husband’s surgery, and it has made a tremendous difference. I’d like to challenge each of you to perform your own random act of kindness for someone outside of your family. Tell me about it here on the blog, and I’ll give you points accordingly for your team. Bonus points if you can get pictures. J
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