Throughout the readings assigned in the fall semester of 2017, certain themes appear prevalently from one piece of literature to the next. One such recurring theme is that of invalidation, more specifically how various forms and levels of such leads to some measure of destruction of an individual, or even as grandiose as an entire society or civilization. Two examples of this theme, consistent across multiple readings, are: the short story “Harrison Bergeron” written by Kurt Vonnegut, and the poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelly. Though the two are of different genres, and contrast in tone, upon reflection of the works, one can note that there is an underlying commonality. “Harrison Bergeron’s” satirical portrayal of a futuristic [false]
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Harrison is said to be a “[fourteen year old]… exactly seven feet tall… genius and an athlete” with superhuman strength, and the ability to defy the laws of gravity, but also has an element of tyranny and cockiness to him, which he conveys through his commanding tone and threatening of those weaker than him (Vonnegut 872-873). It is difficult to deny that this character was intended to come across as a sort of god amongst men. In far fewer words, the “king of kings” Ozymandias, is portrayed in a strikingly similar fashion. Though we never are introduced to the character himself, his pretentious and prevalent pomposity, proves predominant, perpetually placed throughout the poem. The inscription on the pedestal that once held a colossal statue in the likeness of the sovereign (mentioned in lines 9 through 11) reads: “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:/ Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”. The “frown,/ wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command/… The hand that mocked them” are also indicators of a ruthless tyrant (Shelly 4-5, 8). The definition of a tyrant is as follows: “a person who governs oppressively, unjustly, and arbitrarily; despot” as taken from …show more content…
For that concept to be placed into practice, the people must be heard and understood. Harrison overlooked this key element of their position and power, clear and obvious through his arbitrary offering of lavish rewards for those who would abide by his wishes, and the threat of punishment for those who disobeyed (Vonnegut 872-873). The way one could infer that Ozymandias shared this calamitous misunderstanding, aside from the above mentioned overbearing and despotic features that the sculptor incorporated into the statue, is that since the statue is in such an extreme state of disrepair, he must not have instilled the adoration of the people enough for them to maintain the monument dedicated to him. For these reasons, it is fair to assume that the overbearing characters in these writings have overestimated the unquestioning loyalty of their [prospective] subjects, when their needs are not being met. Though in “Harrison Bergeron”, the would-be subjects have been made docile through the invocation of handicapping devices and would arguably be much easier to rule over, considering that handicapped people would be considerably easier to manipulate. This would theoretically mean that if any grievances were to be brought forth, the objections would soon be driven from their mind, and they would continue diligently working for the greater good without the likelihood
Harrison is said to be a “[fourteen year old]… exactly seven feet tall… genius and an athlete” with superhuman strength, and the ability to defy the laws of gravity, but also has an element of tyranny and cockiness to him, which he conveys through his commanding tone and threatening of those weaker than him (Vonnegut 872-873). It is difficult to deny that this character was intended to come across as a sort of god amongst men. In far fewer words, the “king of kings” Ozymandias, is portrayed in a strikingly similar fashion. Though we never are introduced to the character himself, his pretentious and prevalent pomposity, proves predominant, perpetually placed throughout the poem. The inscription on the pedestal that once held a colossal statue in the likeness of the sovereign (mentioned in lines 9 through 11) reads: “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:/ Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”. The “frown,/ wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command/… The hand that mocked them” are also indicators of a ruthless tyrant (Shelly 4-5, 8). The definition of a tyrant is as follows: “a person who governs oppressively, unjustly, and arbitrarily; despot” as taken from …show more content…
For that concept to be placed into practice, the people must be heard and understood. Harrison overlooked this key element of their position and power, clear and obvious through his arbitrary offering of lavish rewards for those who would abide by his wishes, and the threat of punishment for those who disobeyed (Vonnegut 872-873). The way one could infer that Ozymandias shared this calamitous misunderstanding, aside from the above mentioned overbearing and despotic features that the sculptor incorporated into the statue, is that since the statue is in such an extreme state of disrepair, he must not have instilled the adoration of the people enough for them to maintain the monument dedicated to him. For these reasons, it is fair to assume that the overbearing characters in these writings have overestimated the unquestioning loyalty of their [prospective] subjects, when their needs are not being met. Though in “Harrison Bergeron”, the would-be subjects have been made docile through the invocation of handicapping devices and would arguably be much easier to rule over, considering that handicapped people would be considerably easier to manipulate. This would theoretically mean that if any grievances were to be brought forth, the objections would soon be driven from their mind, and they would continue diligently working for the greater good without the likelihood