Irony
What are two types of irony we see in the story?
Situational and verbal
When does the story take place?
2081
What interrupts George’s thoughts?
A mental handicap radio / earpiece
Why are the government's laws about equality ironic?
Forcing equality through violence, impairing those with natural talents/intelligence is unfair
Where is the story set?
The United States
How many handicaps does Hazel wear?
None
What type of irony occurs at the story's end?
Situational: expecting one thing (Harrison's escape or gov't overthrown) but another happens (Harrison's death)
What type of society does the story take place in?
Dystopian
Why does Harrison wear many handicaps?
Because the government fears his abilities (athleticism, size, intelligence)
Why is Harrison's declaration when he takes the stage ironic?
He is attempting to bring freedom but declares himself an emperor (historically not an equal leader)
The events are unfolding on TV, but where is the story mainly taking place?
George and Hazel's living room
Mental (earpieces to interrupt thoughts), visual (masks, noses, teeth-caps, glasses), physical (weights)
What is ironic about George and Hazel's reaction to Harrison's death?
They are his parents and they forget/do not have a reaction at all, opposite of how you'd expect family to react
How does the setting create conflict?
Forced equality conflicts with individuality, forcing everyone to be the same is impossible
How is the use of the word "equal" verbal irony?
Equality has actually become opression