What does Harrison Bergeron say about equality?
In “Harrison Bergeron,” Vonnegut suggests that total equality is not an ideal worth striving for, as many people believe, but a mistaken goal that is dangerous in both execution and outcome. To achieve physical and mental equality among all Americans, the government in Vonnegut’s story tortures its citizens.
What is the main idea of the story Harrison Bergeron?
The main theme in “Harrison Bergeron,” by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is equality, but it is not the kind of equality which people generally desire. Vonnegut’s short story is a warning that complete equality creates many problems and can even bring with it danger.
How do you define equality are the citizens of the United States in 2081 truly equal How about citizens today?
How about citizens today? Equality to me means everyone is treated the same way , you are not separated through categories; everyone must be treated the same. In 2081 in the story , people are not truly “equal” because people who are not “normal” are treated different which at the end still is inequality.
How has equality been achieved?
How has “equality” been achieved? The equality was achieved by the 211th, 212th, and 213th amendments to the Constitution, and the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General. Consider the characters of George and Hazel.
What’s ironic about the newscaster in Harrison Bergeron?
The irony of the newscaster is that he can’t do his job. He has a speech impediment that makes it impossible for him to report the news. The narrator explains in the story that all news announcers had a speech impediment, but stops short of saying that it is a handicap they all receive.
What is ironic about George’s comments on competition?
George’s comments on competition, laws, and society was very ironic because hazel said “that was a real pretty, that dance they just did’ said Hazel (59 Vonnegut)” huh?” said George later in the story George went to stay” he tried to think a little about the ballerinas. They weren’t very good.
What does the Handicapper General do?
The handicapper generals job is to make the “above average” person become the same as everyone else by hindering them if they are to smart or are impressively athletic or artistic.
What do you think of George’s reasons for not lightening his handicap bag?
The reason the thought never occurs to him is because this is the society in which they live. The rules of the society are simple, everyone must be equal in every way. In order to make George equally strong as every other person, he must bear the burden of the 47 pound bag.
How do the noises parallel the escalating tragedy of George and Hazel’s lives?
The noises broadcast by the government increase in intensity and violence during the course of the story, paralleling the escalating tragedy of George’s and Hazel’s lives. When the story begins, a buzzer sounds in George’s head as he watches the ballerinas on TV.