Almost Heroes?

Junior English. Thu, Nov 12th, 2015 at 6:03 pm

We’ve read three stories so far:

“‘Repent, Harlequin!’ Said the Ticktock Man” by Harlan Ellison
“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut
“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula K. LeGuin

In the first two we are presented with protagonists (heroes? rebels?) who are less than successful in their endeavors. The last story presents us with a whole community that seems idyllic but requires the pain of a child to sustain it.

Your goal by the end of this is to write a thematic comparison of the three works (or four, if you decide to read the final story). Right now, you should look over your annotations and make note in your journals of any connections you find. After this, take a step back (watch some Netflix, eat dinner, mow the lawn) and look at your connections. Is there a pattern? Is there an ethos emerging? Are there any outliers?

I will miss part of class tomorrow to take a group to RSU, but will likely be back by the end of the hour. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll have done.

You guys are great.