English 10 Honors
Connecting Literature to Media: “Harrison Bergeron,” Science Fiction, and The Truman Show
1.
In both selections, television has a hold over the lives of the characters. It’s pretty obvious how powerful television is in the lives of those who watch the actual show (the outsiders or people like us watching reality television). It’s clearly even MORE powerful to the lives of the those that are participating IN the actual show. How powerful is television in “Harrison Bergeron “? Explain.
How powerful is television in our society today? Explain
2.
Can you think of why the writers of the film chose to name the director Christof? What be the symbolism or bigger picture there? Who is the Christof-type character in “Harrison Bergeron”?
3.
What about the significance of these other names?
 Truman’s surname, Burbank (Google “Burbank, California” )
 Santa Maria (the yacht in the film)
4.
Both the film and the story argue that taking control of someone’s life is fundamentally wrong. Do you agree? Why is it so wrong to provide a nice life for someone?
5.
Connect Truman’s relationship with Sylvia to “Harrison Bergeron”:
6.
How is Truman’s escape to sea very Harrison-esque?
7.
How can Truman’s escape be compared to John’s journey to the Place of the Gods in “By the waters of Babylon”?
8.
Think about the endings of both “Harrison Bergeron” and The Truman Show. In each story, who, if anyone, “wins”? Explain.
9.
In the film, Christof says, “We accept the reality which we are presented.” How do characters in
“Harrison Bergeron” demonstrate this quote? How do characters in “HB” go against this quote? How does this quote apply to “By the Waters of Babylon” and “Cold Equations”?
10.
The final scene of the film contains the following dialogue:
Christof: Truman, you can speak. I can hear you.
Truman: Who are you?
Christof: I am the creator of a television show that gives hope, joy, and inspiration to millions.
Truman: Then who am I?
Christof: You’re the star.
Truman: Was nothing real?
Christof: You were real. That’s what made you so good to watch. Listen to me Truman. There is no more truth

out there than there is in the world I created for you. Same lies. Same deceit. But in my world, you have nothing to fear.
Is Christof on target when he says that there is no more truth in the real world than there is in Seahaven? What school of thought would Christof fall into with this statement?
11.
Consider yourself in Truman’s position. If presented with the choice to remain in Seahaven, a place where you have been promised that “you have nothing to fear,” or to enter into another world that you know little or nothing about or are forbidden to enter as presented in the film or in “By the
Waters of Babylon,” which would you choose? Explain
12.
Why would the film be considered science fiction? What science fiction elements are present?
13.
What would be the theme (a complete statement no a one-word idea) that the director is conveying to the audience? Connect the theme to a story we have read or film we have viewed and explain?