1. How does the American Bill of Rights define "equality"? How did the civil rights movement in the 1960s interpret this term? Compare these definitions to the Equality Laws in the story and their enforcement by the Handicapper General.

2. In what ways can an individual's exceptional talents and abilities benefit their family, neighbors, and fellow citizens? Conversely, how could these superior talents and abilities negatively impact an individual or a community?

3. Compare the story "Harrison Bergeron" with a short story by Stephen King, such as "The Raft." Both authors are American, male, white, and college-educated. What key differences and similarities do you notice in these stories? How do their writing styles differ? Discuss the characters created by each author. How might Stephen King have written "Harrison Bergeron" differently?

4. Draw illustrations of each major character in "Harrison Bergeron". Include notes describing which elements you took from the story and which elements are based on your own impressions of the characters. Will you use television and movie actors as models, or people you know?

5. What is the distinction between the words "alike" and "equal"?

6. How useful is this fantasy story when reflecting on real events and motivations? Is it an effective tool for initiating discussions on equality and civil rights? Find a relevant article in a newspaper or magazine and explain how it relates to the situation in "Harrison Bergeron".

7. How beneficial is this story for a beginning author to read? Annotate the story as you would for a writer's workshop, highlighting areas where you would revise characterization or suggest ways to rephrase sentences that tell the reader what to know rather than showing them something to think about.

8. What handicapping systems are used in sports such as golf and horse racing? Are these handicaps effective? How are they perceived by participants in these sports? What are the long-term effects?

9. What handicapping systems are used in employment programs or government granting programs? Are these handicaps effective? How are they viewed by participants or those wishing to participate? How valid are any complaints?