Description
In this resource, students read and analyze the dystopian short story “2BR02B” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., a chilling vision of a future where aging and disease have been cured, forcing society to confront the moral consequences of overpopulation and enforced population control.
The title “2BR02B” is pronounced “to be or not to be,” a direct allusion to Shakespeare’s Hamlet that underscores the story’s central question about life, choice, and humanity. Through Vonnegut’s dark humor and unsettling premise, students engage deeply with ethical dilemmas, government authority, and the value of human life.
This lesson is designed to support close reading, discussion, and higher-level thinking. Students begin with pre-reading activities that build anticipation and encourage personal connections to the story’s themes. A PowerPoint presentation introduces key background information, including a brief author biography and essential academic vocabulary, supported by a vocabulary graphic organizer.
As students read the full text of “2BR02B,” they complete reading and analysis questions that focus on theme, irony, tone, and author’s purpose. Students then respond to extended response questions that require textual evidence and thoughtful interpretation. After reading, students choose from three unique and creative project options, allowing them to demonstrate understanding through choice and creativity. Answer keys are included for all analytical components.
Perfect for high school ELA, this “2BR02B” lesson supports dystopian literature study, ethical discussion, and literary analysis while helping students grapple with one of Vonnegut’s most provocative short stories.