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Thematic Comparison of Harrison Bergeron and the Incredibles

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Thematic Comparison of Harrison Bergeron and the Incredibles
Thematic Comparison of “Harrison Bergeron” and The Incredibles
“Harrison Bergeron” and The Incredibles are similar stories that both express equality amongst everybody. In the short story “Harrison Bergeron”, the residents of the city have no choice but to have their individual abilities handicapped. When it comes to The Incredibles, the protagonists are not allowed to use their special abilities to save citizens within the city. Although the abilities these characters have are natural, they are prevented from using them in the community and they are told to keep their powers to themselves. An example in “Harrison Bergeron” is when people who are above average considering knowledge, are to use an ear radio which blasts unusual sounds which prevents the individual from thinking in depth. This is used so that no one has more knowledge and understanding than another individual in the community. A similar situation appeared in the movie The Incredibles, where Dash was not allowed to participate in any kind of sport related activity because he had an ability which allows him to run real fast which would give away their family secret of them being superheroes. In both stories their individual characteristics were taken away from them making no one unique and to show equality. When comparing both stories the only difference is that in “Harrison Bergeron” their talents were handicapped so everyone could be equal, and in The Incredibles the superheroes were to hide their special powers to protect their real identity and keep their family safe. Talents that people have are not there to be kept for themselves but to be shared with the rest of the world and take on new

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