Choose two of the "other worlds' describe in the unit. Compare and constrast the ways these other world impacted the real wworld for the chracters.
In the unit, two "other worlds" that can be compared and contrasted are the dystopian society in "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut and the magical underwater world in "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell.
In "Harrison Bergeron," the other world is a dystopian society where the government enforces strict equality in every aspect of life. People with above-average physical or intellectual abilities are forced to wear handicaps to level the playing field. This impacts the characters in the real world as they lose their individuality and freedom. For example, Harrison Bergeron, a highly talented individual, is constantly burdened with handicaps that hinder his potential. As a result, he becomes a rebellious figure, fighting against the oppressive system. This impacts the real world as it reveals the detrimental consequences of extreme equality, illustrating the importance of individuality and the dangers of suppressing unique talents.
"The Most Dangerous Game" presents another "other world" in the form of a mysterious island where a wealthy hunter named General Zaroff lures unsuspecting victims to hunt them for sport. This impacts the characters in the real world as they find themselves trapped in a fight for survival. The main character, Rainsford, experiences firsthand the terror of being hunted like an animal, turning him into a more resourceful and determined individual. Additionally, the presence of this deadly game challenges Rainsford's moral compass, forcing him to confront his values and fight back. This other world impacts the real world by illustrating the cruelty and savagery that humans are capable of, shedding light on the dark side of humanity.
While both stories present "other worlds," they differ in terms of their impact on the characters and the real world. In "Harrison Bergeron," the dystopian society's impact is primarily centered around the suppression of individuality and talent, highlighting the dangers of an oppressive system. On the other hand, "The Most Dangerous Game" focuses on the physical and psychological resilience required to survive in a deadly game, emphasizing the capacity for cruelty that lurks within seemingly civilized individuals.
Moreover, both stories serve as cautionary tales that challenge readers to reflect on the consequences of extreme ideologies and immoral actions. While "Harrison Bergeron" warns against the danger of extreme equality, "The Most Dangerous Game" reminds us of the potential for cruelty in human nature. Through these other worlds, the authors provoke readers to question the values and norms of their own societies and consider the impact of different ideologies on the real world.