Harrison Bergeron

​Kurt Vonnegut

​Born in Indiana 11.11.22
Withdrew from Cornell University to join WWII in 1943
Returned home on leave for Mother's Day, only to find mom had taken her own life.
Fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Captured by Nazis, hid from Allied bombing in a meat freezer in a slaughterhouse (Slaughterhouse 5).
Was a reporter at first, became known for his satirical novels and black humor.
Adopted sister's kids when she died of cancer.
Died 4.11.07

The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal...




What if people were so completely controlled by a powerful government that everyone was forced to be just like everyone else?

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​We are going to read Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" together.

Multiple Choice

George hears loud sounds because...

• the government wants to punish him for committing a crime.

• the government wants to disrupt his ability to think.

• he enjoys listening to sounds as he works.

• he has a hearing problem with no cure.

Multiple Choice

How is the word "equality" used in "Harrison Bergeron?"

• to signify our common ground as human beings
• to show that race doesn't matter
• to mean that class doesn't matter
• to mean that people are the same in every possible way

Multiple Choice

In "Harrison Bergeron" everyone was finally equal because ___.

• Everyone was born naturally equal.

• The passing of the 211th, 212th and 213th Amendments to the Constitution

• The unceasing vigilance of the H-G men.

• Both A and B

• Both B and C

Multiple Choice

Why won't George take off his handicap bag?

• He thinks it's unfair to others.

• He doesn't want to be better than his wife.

• He has grown attached to his handicap bag.

• He could get in trouble with the government.

Multiple Choice

George and Hazel believe that handicaps...

• keep society from falling apart.

• challenge citizens to work harder.

• make competitions more interesting.

• prevent people from hurting each other.

Multiple Choice

Why does Harrison have so many handicaps?

• He misbehaved while in prison.

• He was considered a danger to himself.

• He tried to overthrow the government.

• He had too many unique and impressive abilities.

Multiple Choice

What is the result of Harrison removing his handicaps?

• Harrison inspires people to rebel against the government.

• Harrison briefly shows people what is possible without handicaps.

• Harrison's violent outburst makes the audience believe that handicaps are good.

• Harrison makes his parents proud that he stood up for what is right.

Multiple Choice

What does the dance with the ballerina at the end symbolize?

• Obedience
• Destruction
• Chaos
• Freedom

Multiple Choice

What does George say to Hazel about sad things?

• He says they are natural.

• He says he doesn't like them.

• He says to forget them.

• He says they make us stronger.

Multiple Choice

At the end of the story, why don't George and Hazel remember what they saw?

• They do not like criticism of the government.

• They lack the ability to remember.

• They decide it's safer to forget.

• They block out the painful memories.

Multiple Choice

In "Harrison Bergeron" George rejects Hazel's suggestion to rest his handicap bag for a while or even to take a few lead balls out of the bag to make it lighter because ___.

• If he gets caught he would be fined two thousand dollars.

• If he gets caught he would have to spend two years in jail.

• He thinks it's wrong to cheat the law.

• He thinks that pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages if people got away with it.

• All of the above.

Multiple Choice

How is the story's conflict resolved?

• The Handicapper General arrests Harrison.

• The Handicapper General lets Harrison go.

• Harrison kills the Handicapper General.

• The Handicapper General kills Harrison.

Multiple Choice

What is one theme explored in Harrison Bergeron?

• The dangers of government overreach.

• The importance of following laws.

• The importance of family.

• The value of good friendships.