English 1: Detailed Analysis of Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut

This assignment analyzes Kurt Vonnegut's short story, 'Harrison Bergeron,' exploring its themes of equality, individuality, and the dangers of a dystopian society. The analysis examines the noteworthy events in the story, such as the removal of handicaps and Harrison's execution, and how they contribute to the story's message. It also delves into Vonnegut's writing style, including his use of tone and content to shape the reader's experience. The assignment further poses insightful questions to the author, prompting a deeper understanding of the story's context and relevance. The analysis highlights the importance of originality and freedom in society, while also criticizing governmental control and its impact on citizens. The provided solution offers a detailed interpretation of the story's events, characters, and underlying messages, making it a valuable resource for students studying English literature.

Running Head: ENGLISH 1
Interpreting Harrison Bergeron
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Introduction

EDUCATION 2
What facts or events did you think were most noteworthy in the story?
The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal," the story begins. "They weren't only equal
before God and the law. “(Vonnegut, 1961).
This is how the short story by Vonnegut begins and immediately takes on to a time and era of the
future. The author creates a world in the future where everybody is equal before God and the
law. One can imagine a utopian world where everybody is equal and expects everyone to be
happily living together. However, the noteworthy events in the story prove otherwise. Harrison
Bergeron, the protagonist of the story, is disabled because he is superior to others. The more the
intelligence and superiority, the harsher are the handicapped tools to bring his down. Thus, the
aim is to bring everyone to the same level of intelligence and equality.
One important event occurs when Harrison is taken away as he is different and much smarter.
The event shows that physical and mental equality is certainly not worth and can be risky and
dangerous for some. Another important event is when Harrison enters the television studio and
removes the handicaps. By doing so, he is exposing the originality and individuality of every
human being which is important. He seeks emotional, physical and intellectual freedom as he
declares himself Emperor and a ballerina as his Empress.
The climax of the story is when Harrison is shot by Handicapper General in the end. The event
goes on to show that dictatorship is the ultimate danger for any country and its citizens. The
author shows the live execution through the powerful media of TV and reflects the control over
the viewership and of the audience by the state. The viewers are warned as to what would happen
to them if they disobey the government and the law.
Being ruled by the handicapped and autocratic government is the worst case scenario for
humanity. Moreover, handicap here is not limited to the physicality but the intellectual side too.
What did you notice about the ways Vonnegut shapes your experience of the story? How
does content versus tone play into that?
Vonnegut makes an exciting start by referring to the year 2081 (Vonnegut, 1961). Thus, the
reader is immediately transported to the unseen future ahead and is curious to know about the
world and its political, social and economic situations. Thus, the author appeals to the interest
among the reader in prophecies about the future.
The tone of the short story is both casual and sarcastic. The contest of the story is compelling
and take one to a utopian world of United States which is living under the misguided campaign
of equality. The content keeps the reader interested and builds his curiosity as the story moves
forwards under the misguided campaign of equality. Equality should be in the outcomes and not
in the opportunities.
Write three questions you would like to ask the author:

EDUCATION 3
What examples can you give in the modern times of important personalities who can be likened
to “Harrison Bergeron?”.
Why do you think Harrison Bergeron lost despite being more intelligent?
How do you compare Handicapper General to the aristocratic government of today?
References

EDUCATION 4
Vonnegut, K. (1961). Harrison Bergeron. The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, 1(1), 1–
6.