The Sound of Silence Response Essay
Response Essay
Dystopian works force us to look at social problems because they exaggerate issues to get the viewer’s attention. By seeing where social problems can or will lead to in the future, people pay more attention to what is going on and they feel the need to do something about it. The song, “The Sound of Silence,” by Paul Simon is about being revealed to the light. Seeing what one was never realized before. It relates well to the allegory of the cave by Plato and the book Fahrenheit 451, it was actually written as a response to this book by Ray Bradbury. This song really shows how people in society do not think, they go along with what is going on and do not question, they do not act upon what is wrong.
Many similar ideas found in this song are also found in the book Fahrenheit 451, and in the short story, “Harrison Bergeron,” that we read in class. Each of these texts share the same idea of being revealed to something, and wanting to pursue it. In Fahrenheit 451 Guy Montag discovers the amazing thoughts and ideas in books that him and his society were deprived of. He does everything he can to fight for the right to have books. Though he did not know much about them he still does not give up until he succeeds. In the short story, “Harrison Bergeron,” they know nothing other than being drained down by weights and having their thought interrupted by government receivers. They cannot think for themselves nor can they do anything themselves. One boy Harrison, decides to go against the government he gets arrested but still fights, though he did not win in the end his brightness, and the idea of him being revealed to the truth will make it easier for others to understand. As well as these examples, this song shares similar ideas, considering it was written as a response to Fahrenheit 451. It talks about being in the dark, not knowing anything, then finally once he sees the light, everything makes sense to him. Everything turns out positive in the end.
Dystopian works force us to look at social problems because they exaggerate issues to get the viewer’s attention. By seeing where social problems can or will lead to in the future, people pay more attention to what is going on and they feel the need to do something about it. The song, “The Sound of Silence,” by Paul Simon is about being revealed to the light. Seeing what one was never realized before. It relates well to the allegory of the cave by Plato and the book Fahrenheit 451, it was actually written as a response to this book by Ray Bradbury. This song really shows how people in society do not think, they go along with what is going on and do not question, they do not act upon what is wrong.
Many similar ideas found in this song are also found in the book Fahrenheit 451, and in the short story, “Harrison Bergeron,” that we read in class. Each of these texts share the same idea of being revealed to something, and wanting to pursue it. In Fahrenheit 451 Guy Montag discovers the amazing thoughts and ideas in books that him and his society were deprived of. He does everything he can to fight for the right to have books. Though he did not know much about them he still does not give up until he succeeds. In the short story, “Harrison Bergeron,” they know nothing other than being drained down by weights and having their thought interrupted by government receivers. They cannot think for themselves nor can they do anything themselves. One boy Harrison, decides to go against the government he gets arrested but still fights, though he did not win in the end his brightness, and the idea of him being revealed to the truth will make it easier for others to understand. As well as these examples, this song shares similar ideas, considering it was written as a response to Fahrenheit 451. It talks about being in the dark, not knowing anything, then finally once he sees the light, everything makes sense to him. Everything turns out positive in the end.