Failed defiance is an important theme in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron.” The first story is placed around Dr. Heidegger and his unfortunate guests. Plagued by regret and old age, the group of elders were thrilled when they learned they had a chance at reclaiming their youth. Before they could experience the life changing effects the Fountain of Youth’s water possessed, Dr. Heidegger warned them to not make the same mistakes they had made in their earlier years. As they drank the mysterious water their friend had supplied them with, they grew younger, but they didn't use their change for good. Instead, they used their advantage for vanity and other petty purposes. The second story is