Harrison Bergeron Group

Question:

yenlio
yenlio
Student
High School - 12th Grade

Consider Harrison Bergeron in terms of both his physical qualities and personality traits.

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Posted by yenlio on Sunday October 4, 2009 at 10:17 PM and tagged with character, harrison bergeron.

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  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Physically, Harrison Bergeron represents everything that is desirable in a young man in a normal society.  He has exceptional looks, intelligence, and strength. Vonnegut lets the readers know this through the handicaps that Harrison is forced to wear, such as a red-ball nose, immense weights, and earphones instead of a tiny government earpiece to interrupt his brain activity.

    Mentally and emotionally, Harrison is also exceptional.  His rebellion on government TV demonstrates that every attempt to "normalize" him has not worked and that his mental capacity cannot be reigned in.  Likewise, his romantic emotional nature is portrayed through his choosing the ballerina, dancing with her, and sharing a poignant kiss with her.

    Vonnegut uses Harrison to illustrate the need for individuality in society.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/harrison-bergeron/character-analysis

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    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Wednesday October 7, 2009 at 5:48 PM