I think the ant world described in "Departmental," by Robert Frost is a fitting metaphor for the society in the story, "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman," by Harlan Ellison. The ant society in "Departmental" is based on keeping up with the pace and getting all of their duties done. An ant comes across another ant that has passes away and thinks to himself that if he runs across someone that works for the higher master he'll tell him about it. Insinuating that if he doesn't run into anyone he is not going out of his way to let anyone know about. The ants are described as "being a curious race, [but are not] impressed" or bothered by their dead. (715)
             The ant society is described or portrayed as one that is very "departmental." If you are a mere worker that is what you do. It is not your job to do the work of those above you. If there is something that needs to be done, but is beyond your level you are to keep on with your own duties and not get of track by taking care of the matters of those above you or below you. In addition to the characteristics of the societies in both stories being similar they are both science fiction stories. "Departmental" is based on a society of ants and "Repent, Harlequin!" is about a society that takes place in the future.
             "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman" illustrates a futuristic society governed by time. In 2389, when the story takes place, man has become so obsessed with punctuality, that if one does not posses this quality, he can be punished by death. Those who become heroes and strive to save the world from destruction by the clock become enemies because they are non-conformists.
             This is the case for Everett C. Marm, or better known as the Harlequin, who tries in vain to transform the unacceptability of the regulations. There are many ways in which peopl...