Understanding the Context of Harrison Bergeron

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 102 views

What does Harrison Bergeron do that angers the government?

Understanding the Context of Harrison Bergeron

Harrison Bergeron is a short story by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1961. The story is set in a dystopian future where the government has implemented a strict equality policy, known as the "Handicapper General," to prevent anyone from excelling or being superior to others. The story revolves around Harrison Bergeron, a young boy who is exceptionally intelligent and athletic, and his struggles against the oppressive government.

The Government's Plans and Harrison Bergeron's Discovery

In the story, Harrison Bergeron discovers the government's plans to broadcast a television show featuring a handicapped person, known as the "Handicapper General," who is responsible for enforcing the equality policy. The Handicapper General is a woman who is physically and mentally handicapped, but has been empowered by the government to enforce the equality policy. Harrison Bergeron learns about the government's plans through his parents, who are also aware of the impending broadcast.

Harrison Bergeron's Actions and the Government's Reaction

Harrison Bergeron's actions are what ultimately anger the government. However, the correct answer is not that he tells his parents about the government's plans. Instead, Harrison Bergeron's actions are more complex and multifaceted. He removes his handicaps, which are devices that are forced upon him by the government to prevent him from excelling or being superior to others. These handicaps include earplugs that prevent him from hearing music, a helmet that prevents him from seeing, and a bag of lead weights that he must wear to prevent him from being too intelligent or athletic.

The Consequences of Harrison Bergeron's Actions

When Harrison Bergeron removes his handicaps, he is able to see and hear the world around him in a way that he never has before. He is also able to use his intelligence and athleticism to their fullest potential. However, this newfound freedom is short-lived, as the government quickly discovers what he has done and takes action to stop him. Harrison Bergeron's actions are seen as a threat to the government's authority and the equality policy, and he is ultimately punished for his transgression.

The Significance of Harrison Bergeron's Actions

Harrison Bergeron's actions in the story are significant because they highlight the tension between individual freedom and government control. The government's equality policy is meant to prevent anyone from excelling or being superior to others, but it also prevents people from being their best selves. Harrison Bergeron's actions are a rebellion against this oppressive policy, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of individual freedom and autonomy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harrison Bergeron's actions in the story are what ultimately anger the government. He removes his handicaps, which are devices that are forced upon him by the government to prevent him from excelling or being superior to others. This action is seen as a threat to the government's authority and the equality policy, and Harrison Bergeron is ultimately punished for his transgression. The story highlights the tension between individual freedom and government control, and serves as a reminder of the importance of individual freedom and autonomy.

The Correct Answer

The correct answer is B. He removes his handicaps. This is the action that ultimately angers the government and leads to Harrison Bergeron's punishment.

Other Options

The other options are incorrect because:

A. He tells his parents about the government's plans. While Harrison Bergeron does learn about the government's plans through his parents, this is not the action that angers the government.
C. He starts a riot against the government. While Harrison Bergeron does take action against the government, it is not a riot that he starts.
D. He kills a police officer. This is not an action that Harrison Bergeron takes in the story.

Discussion Questions

What is the significance of Harrison Bergeron's actions in the story?
How does the government's equality policy affect the characters in the story?
What message do you think Kurt Vonnegut is trying to convey through the story of Harrison Bergeron?

Conclusion

Q: What is the main theme of the story Harrison Bergeron?

A: The main theme of the story Harrison Bergeron is the tension between individual freedom and government control. The government's equality policy is meant to prevent anyone from excelling or being superior to others, but it also prevents people from being their best selves.

Q: What is the Handicapper General?

A: The Handicapper General is a woman who is physically and mentally handicapped, but has been empowered by the government to enforce the equality policy. She is responsible for ensuring that everyone is equal and that no one excels or is superior to others.

Q: What is the significance of Harrison Bergeron's intelligence and athleticism?

A: Harrison Bergeron's intelligence and athleticism are significant because they make him a threat to the government's authority and the equality policy. The government sees him as a potential rebel and tries to suppress his abilities.

Q: What is the role of the television show in the story?

A: The television show is a key element in the story because it highlights the government's control over people's lives. The show features a handicapped person, known as the "Handicapper General," who is responsible for enforcing the equality policy.

Q: What is the symbolism of the handicaps that Harrison Bergeron wears?

A: The handicaps that Harrison Bergeron wears are symbolic of the government's control over people's lives. They represent the ways in which the government tries to suppress individual freedom and creativity.

Q: What is the significance of Harrison Bergeron's rebellion against the government?

A: Harrison Bergeron's rebellion against the government is significant because it highlights the importance of individual freedom and autonomy. His actions show that people should be free to make their own choices and live their own lives.

Q: What is the message of the story Harrison Bergeron?

A: The message of the story Harrison Bergeron is that individual freedom and autonomy are essential to human dignity and happiness. The government's control over people's lives is oppressive and stifling, and people should be free to make their own choices and live their own lives.

Q: How does the story relate to current events?

A: The story Harrison Bergeron relates to current events because it highlights the tension between individual freedom and government control. Many people today are concerned about the role of government in their lives and the ways in which it can be oppressive and stifling.

Q: What is the significance of the title Harrison Bergeron?

A: The title Harrison Bergeron is significant because it highlights the main character's name and his role in the story. The name Harrison Bergeron is also symbolic of the government's control over people's lives, as it is a name that is forced upon him by the government.

Q: What is the author's purpose in writing the story Harrison Bergeron?

A: The author's purpose in writing the story Harrison Bergeron is to highlight the importance of individual freedom and autonomy. He wants to show that people should be free to make their own choices and live their own lives, and that government control can be oppressive and stifling.

Q: What is the significance of the ending of the story?

A: The ending of the story is significant because it highlights the consequences of Harrison Bergeron's rebellion against the government. His actions are seen as a threat to the government's authority, and he is ultimately punished for his transgression.

Q: What is the significance of the theme of equality in the story?

A: The theme of equality in the story is significant because it highlights the tension between individual freedom and government control. The government's equality policy is meant to prevent anyone from excelling or being superior to others, but it also prevents people from being their best selves.

Q: What is the significance of the character of Harrison Bergeron?

A: The character of Harrison Bergeron is significant because he represents the struggle for individual freedom and autonomy. He is a symbol of the human desire for self-expression and creativity, and his actions highlight the importance of these values in human life.