Note: Your teacher will grade your response to question 19 to ensure that you receive proper credit for your answer. Choose two of the “other worlds” described in the unit. Compare and contrast the ways these other worlds impacted the real world for the characters.
In the unit, two "other worlds" are described: the dystopian society in "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut and the virtual reality realm in "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline. While both of these other worlds have their unique characteristics and implications, they have distinct impacts on the real world for the characters.
In "Harrison Bergeron," the dystopian society is characterized by extreme equality enforced through physical and mental handicaps. This world significantly impacts the characters by suppressing their individuality and potential. The protagonist, Harrison Bergeron, possesses exceptional strength and intelligence, but due to the regulations of the society, he is handicapped to the point of mediocrity. This restriction not only frustrates Harrison but also restricts his ability to fulfill his desires and dreams. Likewise, the real world's impact is one of oppression, as the society eliminates any chance for personal growth and autonomy. The government's control over the citizens in this other world strips away any form of ambition and creativity, resulting in a society deprived of progress and greatness.
On the other hand, in "Ready Player One," the virtual reality realm, known as the OASIS, provides an escapist haven for the characters. This other world impacts the characters by allowing them to be anyone or anything they desire, enabling them to escape the flaws and struggles of their real-world existence. The novel's protagonist, Wade Watts, spends most of his time in the OASIS, where he finds a sense of purpose and belonging. The OASIS also offers educational opportunities, personal growth, and even the possibility of wealth. In contrast to "Harrison Bergeron," this other world enhances the characters' lives, allowing them to explore their potentials and find happiness, substituting the limitations and hardships of their real world.
While both other worlds affect the characters' real-world situations, they do so in contrasting ways. In "Harrison Bergeron," the dystopian society dampens individuality, ambition, and progress, leading to a bleak and oppressed reality. In "Ready Player One," the virtual reality realm offers escapism, expansion of possibilities, and personal growth, providing a virtual environment that contrasts the limitations of the real world. Overall, these two other worlds depict the divergent impacts of extreme equality and limitless virtual realms on the characters' experiences in the real world.