Themes: Equality versus Individuality
In “Harrison Bergeron,” Kurt Vonnegut presents a society in which equality is valued above all else and attained at the cost of individuality. The oppressive and often absurd ways in which the characters are equalized through physical and cognitive handicaps implicitly argue for the importance of individuality.
Although the story is critical of an equalizing society, it does not merely satirize the aim of equality among citizens in heavy-handed terms. Indeed, Vonnegut’s characters express coherent reasons to strive for a level playing field. Chief among these are the eradication of jealousy and competition. When Hazel suggests that George remove some of the lead balls from the weighted bag hung from his neck, he replies by citing the underlying logic of his handicaps. He argues that if citizens began removing their handicaps, “pretty soon we’d be right back to the dark ages again, with everyone competing against everyone else.” Hazel agrees, noting that society would “fall apart.” It is ironic that the very handicaps George and Hazel are condoning prevent their conversation from advancing any further. George’s reply—“What would?”—illustrates the stupefying effects of his cognitive handicap.
The story argues for individuality by showing the repressive effects of equalization. This repression occurs in small, quotidian ways, such as in George’s artificial handicaps: the bag of birdshot he wears and the earpiece that emits thought-shattering sounds at twenty-second intervals. The story suggests that many citizens share George’s experiences of daily suffering in the name of broader equality.
But perhaps more importantly, this repression occurs on larger stages, preventing humans from achieving excellence of any kind. This diminishment of excellence can be seen in the televised dance program George and Hazel are watching. Because the dancers are all handicapped for their physical gifts—weighed down and masked—their performance is poor. As George remarks, the ballerinas are “no better than anybody else would have been.” The same is true of the accompanying musicians, whose benchmark for “normal” playing is “cheap, silly, false.” Indeed, a world that criminalizes individual gifts and talents is shown to be a world without virtuosity or beauty. Harrison Bergeron represents the apotheosis of this kind of repression. He is the most gifted citizen of all—and thus the most diminished. Because he refuses to quell his individual excellence in the name of collective uniformity, he loses his life.
Expert Q&A
What are two advantages if everyone were completely equal, like in "Harrison Bergeron"?
One advantage of everyone being equal like in "Harrison Bergeron" would be the opening of the opportunity to excel across the social spectrum. A second advantage would be that people could focus on self actualization rather than fighting for petty advantages over others.
What would it be like to live in a society where everyone is equal in every way? Is it possible and desirable?
Living in a society where everyone is equal in every way is neither possible nor desirable. Such a society would require extreme measures to enforce equality, leading to mediocrity and loss of individuality. Differences in wealth, skills, and personal attributes make true equality unattainable. Moreover, a homogeneous society would lack diversity, resulting in a lack of innovation and fulfillment. The pursuit of absolute equality could lead to a dull, unproductive, and unhappy society.
What is the significance of the statement about Harrison Bergeron being a "genius and an athlete, under-handicapped, and extremely dangerous" in Kurt Vonnegut's story?
The statement about Harrison Bergeron being a "genius and an athlete, under-handicapped, and extremely dangerous" highlights his exceptional intelligence and physical abilities, which pose a threat to the enforced equality in Vonnegut's dystopian society. Despite government-imposed handicaps, Harrison's talents remain uncontrollable, making him dangerous in a world that suppresses individuality. His abilities challenge the societal norm of mediocrity, leading to his ultimate demise to eliminate the perceived threat he represents.
What parts of "Harrison Bergeron" are most exaggerated and why might the author use such exaggeration?
The most exaggerated aspects of "Harrison Bergeron" involve Harrison's physical attributes and actions, such as his seven-foot height, earth-shaking movements, and superhuman strength. These exaggerations extend to how he defies gravity and the laws of motion. Vonnegut likely uses these exaggerations to highlight the potential of individuals when not constrained by enforced equality, emphasizing the extraordinary capabilities and beauty of those who dare to stand out.
Which statement best expresses the theme of this short story?
A. Attempting to achieve complete equality will only result in widespread dissatisfaction and lack of creativity.
B. The government should encourage everyone to hide their differences in order to have a more peaceful and equal society.
C. Forcing uniformity on people doesn't result in equality, but rather causes conflict and unhappiness.
D. People don't realize how important individuality is until they have what makes them different taken away.
Option D best expresses the theme of "Harrison Bergeron." The story illustrates how people often take their individuality for granted and fail to appreciate its importance until it is stripped away. In the dystopian society depicted, the government's imposition of radical equality and uniformity leads to widespread conflict and unhappiness, highlighting the value of individuality.
Who does Vonnegut sympathize with in "Harrison Bergeron"? Is Harrison portrayed as a hero?
In "Harrison Bergeron," Vonnegut sympathizes with characters like Harrison, George, Hazel, and the ballerinas, portraying them as victims of an oppressive society that enforces uniformity. While Harrison is shown as a confident and ambitious figure, his actions, such as attempting to seize power, complicate his portrayal as a hero. However, Vonnegut evokes the most sympathy for George and Hazel, whose lives are deeply affected by the government's harsh policies.
What social tendencies is Vonnegut warning against in "Harrison Bergeron" and what is he recommending?
Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" warns against the societal tendency to enforce equality by reducing individual potential. The story illustrates how exceptional individuals are handicapped to prevent competition, undermining personal excellence. Vonnegut suggests that true potential is realized when individuals reject societal constraints, as seen when Harrison removes his handicaps. However, this defiance also leads to severe consequences, symbolizing societal backlash against nonconformity. The story critiques the idea of equality by diminishing individuality.
What's ironic about Hazel's statement to George, "I don't care if you're not equal to me for a while" in "Harrison Bergeron"?
In "Harrison Bergeron," the irony of Hazel's statement that she does not mind George not being equal to her for a while is that their society has made it pitiable for someone to have any superior abilities. Hazel, who is very low in intelligence as well as lacking any other discernible gifts, feels sorry for George because his handicaps make him uncomfortable. This demonstrates that the two of them are not equal and suggests that absolute equality is impossible.
Why does Diana Moon Glampers kill Harrison in "Harrison Bergeron"?
In "Harrison Bergeron," Diana Moon Glampers kills Harrison to prevent him from usurping power and undermining the government's equality policy. Harrison Bergeron is considered a threat to the United States government, and Diana Moon Glampers's job is to incarcerate, kill, and oppress talented individuals like Harrison who threaten the stability of society. After Harrison breaks the law, Glampers performs her role as Handicapper General by shooting and killing him.
In "Harrison Bergeron," how does the 2081 US government ensure everyone's sameness?
The U.S. government in Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" enforces equality by handicapping individuals with exceptional traits. These handicaps reduce everyone to the level of the least talented person, ensuring no one excels. For instance, George Bergeron wears a mental handicap device that disrupts his thoughts with loud noises to limit his intelligence, while his wife Hazel, naturally average, requires no such impediments, making them equally incapable of sustained thought.
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