Dystopian Characteristics in "Harrison Bergeron" (1st Hour)

Which of the following excerpts could be used as evidence that "Harrison Bergeron" is set in a dystopian society?

• Some things about living still weren't quite right, though. April, for instance, still drove people crazy by not being springtime.

• All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.

• George and Hazel were watching television. There were tears on Hazel's cheeks, but she'd forgotten for the moment what they were about.

• Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn't think about anything except in short bursts.

"They were burdened with sashweights and bags of birdshot, and their faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in." This excerpt is an example of _____.

• Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

• Citizens believe they are under constant watch/surveillance.

• Citizens have a fear of the outside world.

• Citizens are not allowed to think for themselves.

Which of the following excerpts could be used as evidence that "Harrison Bergeron" is set in a dystopian society?

• Hazel, as a matter of fact, bore a strong resemblance to the Handicapper General, a woman named Diana Moon Glampers.

• The television program was suddenly interrupted for a news bulletin.

• "If I tried to get away with it," said George, "then other people'd get away with it and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else. You wouldn't like that, would you?"

• Screams and barking cries of consternation came from the television set. The photograph of Harrison Bergeron on the screen jumped again and again, as though dancing to the tune of an earthquake.

"Harrison Bergeron, age fourteen," she said with a grackle squawk, "has just escaped form jail, where he was held on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government. He is a genius and an athlete, is under-handicapped, and should be regarded as extremely dangerous." This excerpt is an example of _____.

• Citizens conform to uniform expectations.

• Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

• Citizens believe they are under constant watch/surveillance.

• Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.

How does the character of Harrison Bergeron help develop the dystopian setting?

• He feels trapped and struggles to escape.

• He questions the government and tries to do something to change it.

• He helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the setting.

• All of the above.