“Harrison Bergeron” demonstrates the detrimental effects that absolute equality brings upon a society. The story is staged in year 2081 in the United States, where everyone has become equal through the use of physical and mental handicaps. This conformity has led to an intellectually stunted and uninspired population, perhaps presenting that a truly equal society is far from what many imagine.
The narrative begins by stating “everybody was finally equal” with the “211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the constitution” (589). This not only presents the current state of the world, but also insinuates that the final goal of equality has been accomplished. The second paragraph begins with “some things about living still weren’t quite right,” suggesting that they believed most things were right and the world contained only minor defects (589).
In order to ensure equality amongst all people, the United States Government has appointed the Handicapper General who is in charge of “handicapping,” making certain that each citizen is equal in terms of physical and mental abilities (589). The main character, George, is an intelligent man required to wear an earpiece that emits a beep every 20 seconds to disrupt his train of thought, as well as a 47 pound bag to ensure his strength remains standard. His wife, Hazel, considered physically and intellectually average, constantly forgets what she is thinking about. Even the “beautiful” citizens are required to wear masks to ensure that they remain equal to all others.
The story centers around the life of George and Hazel, whose son is taken by the government; however, they cannot grasp or understand this concept and quickly forget in mere seconds. Though they share dialogue with each other, it is stunted and uninteresting. They seem to lack motivation and inspiration, spending their free time by simply watching TV. What is even more interesting is their lack of independence. When Hazel suggests to George that he break his weighted sack, he rebukes her by stating that he does not wish for the world to return to its old “competitive ways” (591). Hazel then quickly forgets her notion and continues watching television. This shows that those intelligent enough to contemplate society are already content, and those that are merely average are incapable of insubordination.
Hazel and George’s son, Harrison Bergeron, then appears on the television among a group of dancers. He is the epitome of the alpha male, standing 7 feet tall, incredibly handsome and mentally gifted. He burst free of his handicaps on television, and claims to be emperor, dancing with such incredible grace that he and his partner are lifted to the ceiling. The Handicapper general enters and quickly dispatches the two dancers, signaling the end of their independence. Though most are content, Harrison represents the dwindling desire of the population to become free. His quick and efficient death at the hands of the state, and failure of his parents to even remember his actions, suggest that the government, in its quest for equality, will always prevail. (592-593)
I personally do not believe that the goal of the United States or the constitution is equality in every respect. As stated in the text, I believe the founding fathers aimed to ensure that everyone was considered equal under “God and the Law,” not absolutely uniform in all aspects. Kurt Vonnegut seems to believe this as well, demonstrating that a quest for true equality will perhaps result in an incredibly static and dull world that lacks inspiration and motivation. Difference does not imply inequality, and Kurt Vonnegut presents that the government may fail in realizing this fact. Vonnegut shows that a government too intent on a quest for equality will result in a world that is characterless and empty.
The narrative begins by stating “everybody was finally equal” with the “211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the constitution” (589). This not only presents the current state of the world, but also insinuates that the final goal of equality has been accomplished. The second paragraph begins with “some things about living still weren’t quite right,” suggesting that they believed most things were right and the world contained only minor defects (589).
In order to ensure equality amongst all people, the United States Government has appointed the Handicapper General who is in charge of “handicapping,” making certain that each citizen is equal in terms of physical and mental abilities (589). The main character, George, is an intelligent man required to wear an earpiece that emits a beep every 20 seconds to disrupt his train of thought, as well as a 47 pound bag to ensure his strength remains standard. His wife, Hazel, considered physically and intellectually average, constantly forgets what she is thinking about. Even the “beautiful” citizens are required to wear masks to ensure that they remain equal to all others.
The story centers around the life of George and Hazel, whose son is taken by the government; however, they cannot grasp or understand this concept and quickly forget in mere seconds. Though they share dialogue with each other, it is stunted and uninteresting. They seem to lack motivation and inspiration, spending their free time by simply watching TV. What is even more interesting is their lack of independence. When Hazel suggests to George that he break his weighted sack, he rebukes her by stating that he does not wish for the world to return to its old “competitive ways” (591). Hazel then quickly forgets her notion and continues watching television. This shows that those intelligent enough to contemplate society are already content, and those that are merely average are incapable of insubordination.
Hazel and George’s son, Harrison Bergeron, then appears on the television among a group of dancers. He is the epitome of the alpha male, standing 7 feet tall, incredibly handsome and mentally gifted. He burst free of his handicaps on television, and claims to be emperor, dancing with such incredible grace that he and his partner are lifted to the ceiling. The Handicapper general enters and quickly dispatches the two dancers, signaling the end of their independence. Though most are content, Harrison represents the dwindling desire of the population to become free. His quick and efficient death at the hands of the state, and failure of his parents to even remember his actions, suggest that the government, in its quest for equality, will always prevail. (592-593)
I personally do not believe that the goal of the United States or the constitution is equality in every respect. As stated in the text, I believe the founding fathers aimed to ensure that everyone was considered equal under “God and the Law,” not absolutely uniform in all aspects. Kurt Vonnegut seems to believe this as well, demonstrating that a quest for true equality will perhaps result in an incredibly static and dull world that lacks inspiration and motivation. Difference does not imply inequality, and Kurt Vonnegut presents that the government may fail in realizing this fact. Vonnegut shows that a government too intent on a quest for equality will result in a world that is characterless and empty.
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