Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr Short Story PDF

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr Short Story PDF

Harrison Bergeron is a dystopian short story by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. that explores a future society where absolute equality is enforced through physical and mental handicaps. The narrative centers on Harrison, a gifted individual who rebels against the oppressive government that suppresses his talents and abilities. Themes of individuality, freedom, and the consequences of enforced conformity are prevalent throughout the story. Vonnegut's use of dark humor and satire critiques the dangers of extreme egalitarianism. This text is ideal for readers interested in dystopian literature and social commentary, as well as students analyzing themes of conflict and character development.

Key Points

  • Explores the theme of enforced equality in a dystopian society
  • Follows the character of Harrison as he challenges societal norms
  • Highlights the consequences of suppressing individuality through handicaps
  • Analyzes the conflict between personal freedom and government control
  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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Before Reading
What would the world be like if everyone were the
same—average in intelligence, talents, appearance, and strength—
and no one was better than anyone else? How do you think
people would feel and act toward each other? Would they be
happy and satisfied?
BRAINSTORM With your class, brainstorm possible
advantages and disadvantages of a world where
everyone is the same—exactly average. Try to generate
as many ideas as possible.
What if everyone were
THE SAME?
Harrison Bergeron
Short Story by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
36
Advantages
no more
jea
lousy
Disadva ntages
nothing to
liv
e up to
READING 5 Understand and draw
conclusions about the elements of
fiction and provide evidence from
text to support understanding.
5A Analyze isolated scenes and
their contribution to the success
of the plot as a whole in a variety
of works of fiction.
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Meet the Author
Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook.
Go to thinkcentral.com.
KEYWORD: HML10-37
Author
Online
t
ral
.
com
.
0-37
.
37
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
1922–2007
Serious Humor
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. was one of the most
acclaimed satiric writers in America. After
working briefly as a journalist, he began
writing short stories in the late 1940
s and
continued writing stories, novels, dramas,
and essays for more than 50 years. His fiction
deals with sobering topics—war, brutality,
and fear of technology. But Vonnegut writes
with dark humor and elements of fantasy
and even absurdity, which have given his
writing lasting appeal.
Voice of Experience
During World War II, Vonnegut was held as
a prisoner of war in Dresden, Germany. The
city was leveled by a fierce firebombing, and
the destruction and horror of that event
became the focus of his most famous novel,
Slaughterhouse Five. Vonnegut wrote in a
preface to the novel that it was about “the
inhumanity of many of man’s inventions to
man.” Vonnegut’s early work was not well
received by critics, but since the 1970
s he has
been regarded as a major American writer.
background to the story
What’s Your Handicap?
If you have ever run a footrace or played golf,
you might know the sports term handicap.
It refers to a way to even up a game so that
good, average, and poor players can compete
as equals. In a footrace, for example, faster
runners might handicap themselves by
giving slower runners a head start. In
“Harrison Bergeron,” people are given
handicaps in daily life so that no one will be
any stronger, smarter, or better looking than
anyone else.
literary analysis: plot and conflict
The plot of a story is driven by a conflict, or struggle between
opposing forces. In some stories, the conflict is between
the main character and society. In “Harrison Bergeron,” for
example, the title character struggles with U.S. society in the
year 2081. As you read, notice ways in which Harrison and the
government oppose each other. Follow events to see who
prevails.
reading skill: draw conclusions
When you draw conclusions, you make judgments based on
story details and your own prior knowledge. Use the following
strategies to draw conclusions about the society depicted in
“Harrison Bergeron”:
• Note what results from the society’s practices and laws.
• Apply your own knowledge to speculate about the motives
of its officials.
As you read “Harrison Bergeron,” use a chart like the one
shown to make notes about the society. Also include your own
thoughts or reactions about the information.
Details About Society
Constitutional amendments make
everyone equal in every way.
My Reactions
It would be hard to enforce
equality.
My Overall Conclusions
vocabulary in context
Vonnegut uses the following words in relating his futuristic
tale. To see how many words you already know, substitute
a different word or phrase for each boldfaced term. Write your
answers in your Reader/Writer Notebook.
1. vigilance with the children crossing the street
2. wince in pain after the injection
3. filled with consternation at the thought
4. cower in the corner
5. synchronize our watches
6. neutralizing the impact
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The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren’t only equal
before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was
smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else.
Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. All this equality was due
to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the
unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.
Some things about living still weren’t quite right, though. April, for instance,
still drove people crazy by not being springtime. And it was in that clammy
month that the H-G men took George and Hazel Bergeron’s fourteen-year-old
son, Harrison, away.
It was tragic, all right, but George and Hazel couldn’t think about it very
hard. Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn’t think
about anything except in short bursts. And George, while his intelligence was
way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio in his ear. He was required
by law to wear it at all times. It was tuned to a government transmitter.
1
Every
twenty seconds or so, the transmitter would send out some sharp noise to keep
people like George from taking unfair advantage of their brains.
a
George and Hazel were watching television. There were tears on Hazel’s
cheeks, but she’d forgotten for the moment what they were about.
On the television screen were ballerinas.
A buzzer sounded in George’s head. His thoughts fled in panic, like bandits
from a burglar alarm.
“That was a real pretty dance, that dance they just did,” said Hazel.
“Huh?” said George.
“That dance—it was nice,” said Hazel.
“Yup,” said George. He tried to think a little about the ballerinas. They
weren’t really very good—no better than anybody else would have been,
anyway. They were burdened with sashweights
2
and bags of birdshot,
3
and
1. transmitter: an electronic device for broadcasting radio signals.
2. sashweights: lead weights used in some kinds of windows to keep them from falling shut when raised.
3. birdshot: tiny lead pellets made to be loaded in shotgun shells.
10
20
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Harrison
Bergeron
Examine the image of the
television announcer and
the picture behind him.
What does this painting
suggest about television?
vigilance (vGjPE-lEns)
n. alert attention,
watchfulness
a
DRAW CONCLUSIONS
Reread lines 1–17. Cite
specific details that
describe society in 2081.
What is your opinion of
the society so far?
Detail of TVTime-Announcer (2002),
Charles Foster-Hall. Acrylic on canvas,
16” × 20”, 41cm x 51 cm. © Charles
Foster-Hall.
38 unit 1: plot, setting, and mood
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Play Audio
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End of Document
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FAQs of Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr Short Story PDF

What is the main conflict in Harrison Bergeron?
The main conflict in Harrison Bergeron arises from the struggle between the protagonist, Harrison, and the oppressive government that enforces strict equality among its citizens. Harrison, who possesses extraordinary intelligence and physical abilities, is burdened with handicaps to suppress his talents. As he rebels against these constraints, he represents the fight for individuality and freedom in a society that prioritizes uniformity. This conflict illustrates the broader theme of the dangers of extreme egalitarianism and the loss of personal identity.
How does Vonnegut use satire in Harrison Bergeron?
Kurt Vonnegut employs satire in Harrison Bergeron to critique the concept of enforced equality. Through exaggerated handicaps that diminish the characters' abilities, he highlights the absurdity of a society that sacrifices individuality for the sake of uniformity. The story's dark humor serves to underscore the potential consequences of extreme political ideologies, making readers reflect on the balance between equality and personal freedom. Vonnegut's satirical approach invites readers to question the value of mediocrity and the importance of diversity in human experience.
What societal practices are depicted in Harrison Bergeron?
In Harrison Bergeron, societal practices include the imposition of physical and mental handicaps to ensure that no individual excels beyond others. Constitutional amendments mandate that everyone must be made equal, leading to a dystopian reality where intelligence, beauty, and strength are suppressed. The government enforces these laws through surveillance and punishment, creating an environment of fear and conformity. This depiction serves as a warning against the dangers of sacrificing personal freedoms for the sake of enforced equality.
What themes are explored in Harrison Bergeron?
Harrison Bergeron explores several themes, including the conflict between individuality and conformity, the dangers of enforced equality, and the value of personal freedom. The story illustrates how a society that prioritizes uniformity can lead to oppression and the loss of human potential. Additionally, it examines the consequences of extreme governmental control and the impact of societal norms on personal identity. These themes resonate with contemporary discussions about equality, freedom, and the role of government in individual lives.

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