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AssignmentMultiple Select

Critiques of American Society in Science Fiction

Question 4 • FT English 12 (E.Ola) - Quarter 3 - WHS

How does Vonnegut use the dystopian society in this story to create satire? Check all of the boxes that are true of Vonnegut's writing.

Answer
A
To make a connection between American society’s desire for equality and its fears of communism
B
To exaggerate the absurdity of the American vision of a utopian society in which everyone is equal
C
To encourage society’s obsession with television
D
To highlight society’s need for government legislation that demands conformity from all citizens
E
To warn citizens of the dangers of government control through an imagined, futuristic society

Explanation

In “Harrison Bergeron,” Vonnegut imagines a future where the government forces everyone to be equal by imposing handicaps. This exaggerates the absurdity of a utopia based on absolute equality (B) and satirizes fears about equality being connected to communism (A). The dystopian setting also warns readers about the dangers of excessive government control (E). Vonnegut is criticizing conformity and television’s distracting influence, not encouraging them or calling for more government legislation.

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