Harrison Bergeron

Harrison Bergeron

By Kurt Vonnegut

Open Ended

Why was Harrison put in jail, and what happens to him at the end of the story?

Open Ended

What details about Harrison's appearance and actions make him seem like a superhuman character, the kind you might find in comics or movies? Do you think Harrison, like many other superhuman characters, wants to save people from evil, or do you think his motives are not so pure?

Open Ended

How has the government tried to eliminate the competition and make everyone the same? What details in this story make us infer, or guess, that all does not work very smoothly in this society in which everyone is "equal every which way"?

Open Ended

What attitudes about equality is Vonnegut mocking in this story? In your opinion what statements is he making about individuality?

Open Ended

What is the difference between believing that all people are equal under the law and believing that all people are the same?

Open Ended

Technology is now more a part of people's lives than ever before. Do you think this story has something to say to us today about the role of technology in our lives? Explain your answer.