Write a persuasive research paper (4-5 pages) based on the following criteria: Analyzing Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” through Marxist literary theory is a critical approach.
Using my introduction and bibliography, find one more source for my Opposing Viewpoints paragraph.
Task: Persuasive literary research paper
Criteria
Introductory paragraph[s] contains thesis statement in addition to literary critique theory used to interpret thesis.
Robust thesis-it has claim that is implied in the story not explicitly told in the plot.
Background info, literary hook, or historical info.
Clear explication of purpose.
Body of paper clearly follows either deductive or inductive method.
In depth explanation of the literary theory and of the story.
Correct usage of sources: citations, quotations, credit to authors when paraphrasing.
Original sentences & correct grammar. Logical
Paragraph organization.
Opposing viewpoint[s] (OVP) clearly discussed.
One or more sources elaborated upon for the OVP.
Refutation of OVP with transition to conclusion.
Conclusive paragraph[s] reiterate[s] purpose, thesis and/or theory while if possible, delineating a solution.
Introductory paragraph[s] contains thesis statement in addition to literary critique theory used to interpret thesis.
Robust thesis-it has claim that is implied in the story not explicitly told in the plot.
Background info, literary hook, or historical info.
Clear explication of purpose.
Body of paper clearly follows either deductive or inductive method.
In depth explanation of the literary theory and of the story.
Correct usage of sources: citations, quotations, credit to authors when paraphrasing.
Original sentences & correct grammar. Logical
Paragraph organization.
Opposing viewpoint[s] (OVP) clearly discussed.
One or more sources elaborated upon for the OVP.
Refutation of OVP with transition to conclusion.
Conclusive paragraph[s] reiterate[s] purpose, thesis and/or theory while if possible, delineating a solution.
Research Paper Guidelines
Sample Outline
Notice that no correct number of letters or numbers exists; the only determining factor is the number of points you need to make for the required length of your paper.
I. Introduction
A. Background information connecting the reader to the subject B. Thesis statement
II. First Main Point
A. First subpoint
1. Supporting example or detail—either your insight or a critic’s comment
paraphrased or directly quoted
Never start a sentence with a quote that you have not introduced.
a) First comment on support b) Second comment on support
2. Supporting example or detail (your comment on supporting detail from a critic)
a) First comment b) Second comment
B. Second subpoint
3. Supporting example or detail
4. Supporting example or detail
C. Third subpoint (same as A, B above)
At this point continue with D, E… if needed
III. Second Main Point
A. First subpoint—Comment on subpoint (only one comment on this detail)
As in the above example, use a dash after a point if it is followed by only one detail or comment. B. Second sub point
1. Supporting example—only one comment on this example: hence use the dash, not an a by itself
2. Supporting example a) Comment
b) Comment
Continue with the same sequence alternating numerals and letters until you have completed outlining all of your material.
IV. Critical Thinking Section
A. Incorporate reactions to the source materials B. Include insights about the research topic
C. Synthesize critical thinking threads
V. Conclusion
Affirm that the thesis has been proven
Write work based on my introduction;
I. Introduction
Nowadays many people argue about government control, freedom, and fairness. Kurt Vonnegut’s story “Harrison Bergeron,” written in 1961, shows the world in a future where everybody in America is equal, and the way the government neutralizes physical, intellectual, or appearance advantages. To make sure that citizens won’t outshine each other. Government used used this approach, if somebody is attractive they must wear ugly masks, they handicap individuals who have superiority in height and strength and are made to wear weight. Also they used a tool that was a kind of headphones that created noise so that a person couldn’t think clearly. On the charge of this system, the person named Diana Moon had the title Handicapper General, she made everyone equal by using force and instilling a sense of fear. Even Though at first glance Vonnegut’s work may seem as an alert against achieving perfect equality and government control which limits the actions of local citizens, we can also look at it as a way to understand how powerful people try to keep their control under the system often , unfairly. Marxist theory argues that dominant ideologies often conceal class structures and maintain power through cultural institutions, including media, law, and family. From a Marxist point of view, “Harrison Bergeron” shows how those in power use rules and ideas to stay in control, pretending that everyone is equal while keeping real power for themselves and stopping people from realizing the truth.(Marx)
Using this Annotated Bibliography:
1. Ashcraft, Richard. “Marx and Political Theory.” Comparative Studies in Society and History, vol. 26, no. 4, 1984, pp. 637–71. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/178443. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
This article explains Marx’s views on political control and ideology, supporting the analysis of how the government in Vonnegut’s story maintains power through oppressive systems.
2.Findlay, Len. “Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Manifest Der Kommunistischen Partei/The Communist Manifesto (1848).” Victorian Review, vol. 35, no. 1, 2009, pp. 23–27. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27793692. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
This source provides background on Marxist theory and supports the idea that dominant ideologies help preserve power structures.
3.Guerin, Wilfred L., et al. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. 5th ed., Oxford University Press, 2005.
This handbook explains key principles of Marxist literary criticism and helps apply those ideas to Vonnegut’s story.
4.Hattenhauer, Darryl. “The Politics of Kurt Vonnegut’s ‘Harrison Bergeron.’” Studies in Short Fiction, vol. 34, no. 4, 1997, pp. 387–396.
This article arguing that the story is a political satire that critiques both socialism and authoritarian control.
5.McCammack, Brian. “A Fading Old Left Vision: Gospel-Inspired Socialism in Vonnegut’s ‘Rosewater.’” Midwest Quarterly, vol. 49, no. 2, Jan. 2008, pp. 161–78. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=0291f446-d41c-3d58-b41a-4432e0e0b417.
Though focused on a different story, this article helps understand Vonnegut’s political views, especially his critiques of socialism and government control.
6.Vonnegut, Kurt. “Harrison Bergeron.” The Complete Stories, edited by Kurt Vonnegut, 1970, pp. 223–230.
This is the primary text analyzed in the paper, used to explore how the story reflects Marxist themes of power and oppression.
And find one more source for Opposing Viewpoints which is should be peer revived .
7.Weber, Christina D. “Literary Fiction as a Tool for Teaching Social Theory and Critical Consciousness.” Teaching Sociology, vol. 38, no. 4, 2010, pp. 350–61. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27896550. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
This article shows how fiction can reveal social issues and support critical thinking, which supports the analysis of Vonnegut’s dystopia through a Marxist lens.
