Analytical: Literature

“Harrison Bergeron” demonstrates a lack of individuality. The characters in the story are forced to be complete and total equals in every possible characteristic. A component of this is that no one is allowed to be smarter than anyone else. The main character Harrison Bergeron is much smarter than everyone else, so smart he cannot be inhibited. He is the only person in the story who demonstrates the ability to socially interact. This is because education is a way to enhance our ability to communicate with each other. In school, children are constantly in contact with one another. Social lives are highly comprised of friends and relationships found from school. John Dewey talked about “learning by doing.” Children must interact to more easily retain what they have learned. This involves talking with other students. Seeing people’s differences in how they understand problems is part of the learning process. In the short story, they completely eliminate differences making education and social interaction nigh impossible. Without education, a key component of the social lives of the citizens is lost. Education is one of the most powerful tools in creating relationships. In the story, “The Pupil” the main character Mr. Pemberton tutors a boy named Morgan. The boy lives an unhappy life because of his cruel family and heart disabilities. Morgan begins to have much respect and love for Pemberton. The relationship is created out of the tutoring lessons they have together. Morgan has never had a true friend until Pemberton. The bond that they share is powerful because education creates intricate relationships between people. Even though the story ends tragically the respect the two have for each other will never die. The mutual respect formed between the student and the teacher is the key social aspect of education. Involving social interaction with learning comes naturally to human beings. It will always be involved with the school system of the United States of America.