Q/A Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s “Harrison Bergeron” pages 181-185 and Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” pages 208-212. After reading these stories, answer the following questions.

 What tendencies in present-day American society if Vonnegut satirizing? How would you sum up the story’s theme? “Harrison Bergeron” is told from the perspective of Harrison’s parents. Why is it more effective than if Harrison Bergeron had told his own story? Le Guin’s story begins with the ideal city of Omelas in all its splendor; however, midway through the story, this ideal setting is exchanged for a foul smelling cellar. What is the relationship between these two extremes and why is it important to the theme of the story? Within the cellar, there is a child. Using three instances from the story as support, explain what this child might symbolize. Reread the last paragraph of Le Guin’s story. Explain the symbolic act found there and what that act symbolizes.