Freedom In Harrison Bergeron, Shades, And Examination Day

Freedom is the idea and action of doing whatever you please without being controlled by an outside force or government. Dystopian societies happen when unrealistic expectations are forced onto citizens, and restrict their freedom. These characteristics can be demonstrated through the short stories Harrison Bergeron, Shades, and Examination Day. The restriction of freedom can be shown through living in a dehumanized society. Richard, from the story “Examination Day,” is a clear example of a character in a dystopian society, and he is denied the ability to experience freedom. This is shown through Richard’s high intelligence level, leading to his downfall. His intelligence exceeds the mandated level; therefore, he is “eliminated.” The reason …show more content…

Richard was denied freedom by not being allowed to be intelligent. He experienced this through his death of being too bright. Another short story that illustrates being denied freedom is Shades, which shows characters experiencing technological control and philosophical control. Jessica is the protagonist in the story Shades. The people in the story are forced to live in a dehumanized state. The government uses technology and philosophical control to rule their society. Citizens are forced to have eye implants inserted before they are born. The government spreads the idea that color has led to the country's ruin. Eye implants are used to control what color people see based on their intelligence level and social class. White and black are the two highest levels, if you happen to not be part of this group, you are seen as less than. The philosophy is used to control and force the citizens to believe what the government is doing is okay and better for the citizens’ greater good. Jessica stated, “In World Evolution Class, we studied how colors almost brought about the destruction of humankind, from people enslaving each other over flesh colors to the Civil War of Blue and Grey that nearly tore America apart” (Dias,