A Rhetorical Analysis of Repent Harlequin! Said the...

Conformity. Noah Webster defines it as action in accordance with prevailing social standards, attitudes, practices, etc.. When a man conforms he displays obedience towards the regulations of the society into which he has been planted. Harlan Ellison writes of conformity in his epic entitled Repent Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman. And it is through his piece that he paints the idea of non-conformism. Ellison implements in media res organization, crafts a programmed society, interpolates monotonous diction, and alludes to Thoreaus Civil Disobedience in respect to serving society; all in an effort to stir in readers the true danger that goes hand in hand with depravity in leadership, while also magnifying the importance of a single†¦show more content†¦Ellison is paralleling this particular society to that of a Cuba, an Iraq, a North Korea. We as readers know very well the dangers of this type of organization. We recognize its flawed nature, its obvious need of repair and refor m. We know that this type of systematic totalitarian rule is neither acceptable nor free from imperfection. Ellison elects to employ bleak, mechanical diction juxtaposed with glimmers of uniqueness in order to contrast the ideas of individuality and uniformity. He begins by offering us the dark and bland description of this society by using words such as cubicles of the hierarchy[2],metronomic[2], and practiced motion[3]. Line after line is sprinkled with bleakness as the reader finds no appeal in the conforming society. He then juxtaposes the mechanical and uniform diction with that of color, joy, and hope. This is first expressed in the mention of jelly beans[4]. This particular word appeals to the emotions of the reader and brings out feelings of happiness, fun, and uniqueness. We favor the Harlequin over the Society. We grow fond of what he represents. This is only furthered later on in the tale as Ellison continues to insert a plethora of diction choices that further darken the corrupt totalitarian regime. Ellison also conveys the idea of repetition through the phrase And so it goes. And so it goes. And so it goes[5].