Citizens Ability To Create Laws
Society over ruled by government
Thesis Statement
“Harrison Bergeron” by Richard Connell and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
In “Harrison Bergeron” and “The Lottery”, both show how the government enforces laws to citizens or harsh consequences. In “Harrison Bergeron”, the government imposed laws were citizens have to be equal while “The Lottery”, Citizens have to follow a tradition every year to keep the population from growing.
Quote Analysis
Quote: "’I am the Emperor!" cried Harrison. "Do you hear? I am the Emperor! Everybody must do what I say at once!" He stamped his foot and the studio shook. "Even as I stand here" he bellowed, "crippled, hobbled, sickened - I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now watch me become what I can become’” (Vonnegut 4).
Analysis: citizens under a constant rule of a harsh government, who punished them for trying to be independent will eventually fight back. Harrison would not accept being under government control any longer, his unfair treatment led him to revolt against their form of government. This passage shows that citizens and their interests should be taken in for account when creating laws.
Quote: "’I think we ought to start over,’" Mrs. Hutchinson said, as quietly as she could. "’I tell you it wasn't fair. You didn't give him time enough to choose. Everybody saw that’" (Jacksons 6).
Analysis: The quote points out how the society is only concerned about what is good for them. Citizen’s needs are being put less or not being considered at all. The process did not benefit Mrs. Hutchinson; Laws should be made with citizens needs in mind.