Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper-General of "Harrison Bergeron" makes a cameo appearance in Vonnegut's novel God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, which prompted the New York Times article "Do Human Beings Matter?" We'd like to say yes, but we think Mr. Vonnegut might disagree at times. (Source.)
"Harrison Bergeron" was published the same year as another iconic short story: Dr. Seuss' "The Sneetches." How does the theme of equality differ (and how is it similar) in these two radically different types of stories? (Source.)
Hear the Sirens calling? Vonnegut explores similar themes of handicapping and equality in his 1959 novel The Sirens of Titan. (Source.)
Does Harrison lean left or right? The National Review calls "Harrison Bergeron" "one of the most conservative short stories you'll ever read." Agree or disagree? (Source.)