Analysis Of Repent, Harlequin By Harlan Ellison
Reflective Essay 1 - “Repent, Harlequin!”
Harlan Ellison, like many writers, uses references from movies, books, and popular culture to enrich their works. This collection of works that is referenced is called the “megatext.” The science fiction “megatext” includes numerous works of science fiction, whether music, books or movies. Harlan Ellison’s “Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman” uses many references from various “megatext’s,” including George Orwell 's 1984, Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience, and several references from the popular culture of the 1950’s. By using these “megatext” references, Ellison creates a connection or community and creates a timelessness in his work.
With “Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman,” Harlan Ellison’s use of references to other works of science fiction, political documents, and to popular culture, brings the reader into a community of other readers. The first connection that is made is from Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience. This excerpt is included with the intention of using it as the foundation on which to build Everett’s, the Harlequin, world. This idea that there are three types of people in the world is present throughout the entire story. Starting at the top of the pyramid with the Master Timekeeper who is a representation of those who “serve the state chiefly with their heads” (page 146). The Ticktockman makes all of his decisions based on the master schedule that has to be kept. Being late causes the loss
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Who Is The Master Schedule In Harlan Ellison's Repent, Harlequin
457 Words | 2 PagesThis targets the desire of the Ticktockman to control a certain order. Also, by beginning in the middle, the reader is lead to question who the Harlequin really is because there is less information about him, yet he is still illustrated as an individual. By having multiple digressions, the story is organized similar to a poem. Ellison uses specific examples of imagery, diction, and characterization to illustrate the importance of reform in society. Ellison used imagery to display the Harlequins rebellion as well as the societies actions and thoughts.
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Husband Harlequin Said The Ticktockman Summary
2297 Words | 10 PagesHarlan Ellison uses many literary devices in the science fiction short story “‘Repent, Harlequin!’ Said the Ticktockman” (1934) to exhibit how the government has too much control over the society and must be overthrown. The story takes place around the year “2389” (Ellison) in a society run by a totalitarian government that relies solely on order and being on time. The protagonist and lone rebeller, Harlequin, pulls many shenanigans in an attempt to set back the society and disrupt the order. The Ticktockman, the antagonist dictator, uses his excess power to take down the Harlequin and destroy his identity.
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Civil Disobedience Ethos Pathos Logos
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Norman Ellison Husband Harlequin Analysis
2055 Words | 9 PagesIn “Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman,” Harlan Ellison depicts the differences between an authoritarian ruler and a constructive revolutionist in a dystopian society. The Ticktockman, who controls the timeframe of all civilians who prevail in the city, is challenged by the perilous and advancing viewpoints of an insurgent named the Harlequin. This character, identified as a revolutionary, attempts to transfigure the city towards freedom, yet struggles to overthrow the leader and thus conforms to the society enforced by the Ticktockman. Through his use of repetitive diction, allusions, characterization, organization, and syntax, Harlan Ellison conveys the inevitability of conforming to a society imposed by a powerful, authoritarian regime.
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