The misunderstanding of the meaning of equality

The misunderstanding of the meaning of equality

Stylistic devices in language and literature are essential as they help the writer, speaker or orator to pass the intended message to the audience in the most effective way possible.  Among the most frequent stylistic devices that are used in English literature include irony, satire, and imagery, among other language styles. The paradox can be identified where the individual passing the message may state something directly opposite to what they mean to provoke the recipient’s thought process. On the other hand, satire occurs when there is the use of humor to achieve constructive criticism. All these language styles are used to enhance the effectiveness off the communication process as well as provoke the message recipient to reflect on the message passed along critically.

Vonnegut uses satire and irony to explore a severe theme of equality in a dystopian society. The central idea in Vonnegut’s short story “Harrison Bergeron” is that total balance is not an ideal worth struggling for contrary to the belief held by most people. This is because people do not understand the steps that need to be taken to achieve the desired equality, as well as the outcomes that are expected from following through the total equality objective. The government in the dystopian milieu set by Vonnegut uses different approaches to achieve the desired physical and mental equality for its citizens. Through the implementation methods used, then it is possible to identify that, indeed, total balance is not the most suitable ideal to strive to achieve.

The theme of irony is presented in “Harrison Bergeron” in the measures that are taken to achieve total equality.  It is necessary to identify that for complete balance to be achieved, and all the individuals must be similar in almost every aspect. This is made difficult by the fact that society is comprised of individuals who possess different qualities as well as traits.  However, given that the primary desired effect is achieving physical and mental equality, the dystopian government takes up the initiative through an ironic implementation system where the beautiful are required to either wear masks or disfigure themselves to become equal with the less attractive members of the society. On the other hand, to achieve mental equality, good thinkers are placed in unfavorable conditions that inhibit the thinking process. For instance, the mentally gifted are put in noisy rooms, which makes it difficult for them to concentrate.

On the other hand, the theme of satire is evidenced in the short story where, Vonnegut uses humorous descriptions as well as situations that have been altered to create the desired effect, for instance; “Harrison’s appearance is exaggerated, as Vonnegut describes him as being “exactly seven feet tall” and so handsome that he is forced to wear a red rubber nose and shave his eyebrows (Darryl, 1998).” As we know, it isn’t straightforward for an individual to be of an exact 7 feet height. However, the satire gets better when it is stated that Harrison is required to shave his eyebrows because he is so handsome. This makes fun of the dystopian government regime’s attempt to achieve equality among its citizens through the use of crude means. Satire is evident in all the above measures, given that the actions taken are only aimed at making good mediocre. At the same time, the bad remains as it is without any alteration.

Works Cited

Hattenhauer, Darryl. “The politics of Kurt Vonnegut’s” Harrison Bergeron.” Studies in Short Fiction 35.4 (1998): 387-394.