Harrison Bergeron

Reread the first sentence and paragraph of the text, what does the word finally, suggest is the society's perspective on their equality in the phrase "everybody was finally equal?"

• The process of creating absolute equality was a measurement of society's progress and success; having total equality in this society is the ultimate achievement.

• The process of creating absolute equality was a long and arduous process that the society struggled to achieve; having total equality in this society is the result of a lot of hard work on everyone's part.

• The process of creating absolute equality was a simple task that took only a few years; having total equality in this society is the status quo.

• The process of creating absolute equality was a measurement of society's degradation and failure; having total equality in this society shows just how far the society has fallen.

Reread the following sentence from the first paragraph of the story.

“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.”

What do the words “unceasing vigilance” suggest about the type of society that Vonnegut creates in this short story?

• A. The words “unceasing vigilance” suggest that the society is protective and looks out for the safety of its citizens.

• B. The words “unceasing vigilance” suggest that the society is always working for the betterment of its people.

• C. The words “unceasing vigilance” suggest that the society is restrictive and oppressive and that people in this society cannot do anything without the government being aware.

• D. The words “unceasing vigilance” suggest that the society is cautious and that people in this society will always be watched by the government.

Reread the following sentence from the passage.

“And then, neutralizing gravity with love and pure will, they remained suspended in air inches below the ceiling, and they kissed each other for a long, long time.”

How does Vonnegut use the term “neutralizing” to emphasize his point?

• A. The term “neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s love is strong enough to overcome gravity and the rules, something that is clearly not realistic, showing that love can be a powerful force.

• B. The term “neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s rebellion is strong enough to render gravity useless, something that is clearly not realistic, showing how powerful it is for people to live to their full potential.

• C. The term “neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s rebellion is strong enough to disarm the gravity of the situation, showing that the situation is not as serious as it first appears to be.

• D. The term “neutralizing” suggests that Harrison and the ballerina’s will to succeed is strong enough to overpower gravity, showing that people can do anything if they put their mind to it.

What does Harrison’s rebellion against the government reveal about the author’s values?

• A. Harrison’s rebellion reveals that Vonnegut believes that the government’s rules are in place for the protection of the people.

• B. Harrison’s rebellion reveals that Vonnegut believes that individualism and competition are necessary for the success of society.

• C. Harrison’s rebellion reveals that Vonnegut believes that the government is always wrong.

• D. Harrison’s rebellion reveals that Vonnegut believes individuals should always follow the rules of the government, even if they do not agree with them.

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5. Read the following sentence from the story.

“Screams and barking cries of consternation came from the television set.”

Which word, if used to replace consternation, would create the most OPPOSITE meaning of the sentence?

• Anxiety

• Trepidation

• Assurance

• Disdain

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Part A. Reread the scene where Harrison and the ballerina break free of their handicaps and dance (bottom half of page 4 to top of page 5). What is the effect of the figurative language in this scene?

“Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness like wet tissue paper, tore straps guaranteed to support five thousand pounds. Harrison’s scrap-iron handicaps crashed to the floor.

Harrison thrust his thumbs under the bar of the padlock that secured his head harness. The bar snapped like celery. Harrison smashed his headphones and spectacles against the wall. He flung away his rubber-ball nose, revealed a man that would have awed Thor, the god of thunder.

“I shall now select my Empress!” he said, looking down on the cowering people. “Let the first woman who dares rise to their feet claim her mate and her throne!”

A moment passed, and then a ballerina arose, swaying like a willow.

• A. The figurative language creates a formal and somber mood, illustrating the author’s belief in the seriousness of the situation.

• B. The figurative language creates a tense and frightening mood, highlighting the author’s belief that the government is harming the citizens by creating this “equality.”

• C. The figurative language creates a silly and humorous mood, highlighting the author’s jest about the need to reform the government.

• D. The figurative language creates a magical and surreal mood, highlighting the author’s approval of Harrison’s desire to be great and reach his full potential.

7. Part B. Which of the following quotes best support your response to Part A? Select all that apply.

• A. “Even as I stand here crippled, hobbled, sickened”

  
  

  F. “They leaped like deer on the moon.”

  G. “The studio ceiling was thirty feet high, but each leap brought the dancers nearer to

• B. “Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness like wet tissue paper”

• C. “Harrison’s scrap-iron handicaps crashed to the floor.”

• D. “Harrison and his Empress merely listened to the music for a while – listened gravely”

• E. “They reeled, whirled, swiveled, flounced, capered, gamboled, and spun.”

Reread the following excerpt which comes immediately after the scene in which Harrison and the Ballerina break free from their handicaps and kiss the ceiling.

“It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor” (5).

How does the shift in tone from the previous description to this one support the theme?

• A. The tone shifts from one of criticism and condemnation to serious and realistic, illustrating Vonnegut’s criticism of Harrison’s behavior where he disobeys all of the laws of his society to fulfill his own purpose.

• B. The tone shifts from one of awe and amazement to shock and sadness, illustrating Vonnegut’s criticism of the oppressive role of the government that continues to instill equality, at all costs, stifling the individualism of its people.

• C. The tone shifts from one of shock and fright to lighthearted and humorous, illustrating the satirical nature of Vonnegut’s short story; while government reform could benefit some people, this is a simple story told to entertain his audience.

• D. The tone shifts from one of absurdity and humor to realistic and straightforward, illustrating Vonnegut’s criticism of Harrison’s behavior; suggesting that the government should be obeyed at all times.

9. Read the following sentence from the story.

“Clanking, clownish, and huge, Harrison stood in the center of the studio. The knob of the uprooted studio door was still in his hand. Ballerinas, technicians, musicians, and announcers cowered on their knees before him, expecting to die.”

What is the effect of the imagery used to characterize Harrison in this excerpt?

• A. The characterization of Harrison demonstrates how the government has labeled Harrison and his weakness as something to be respected.

• B. The characterization of Harrison demonstrates that Vonnegut is making a joke out of this situation and it can’t be taken seriously.

• C. The characterization of Harrison makes him larger than life and something to be feared showing that when one person doesn’t follow the laws of the government, everyone suffers.

• D. The characterization of Harrison makes him larger than life and almost unrealistic which helps to emphasize how powerful an individual can be if he is allowed to live to his full potential.

10. What is the author saying about today’s society and the role a government can play in achieving equality among people?

• A. The author is showing readers that a society that creates equality for its citizens will save them from worry and fear, ultimately helping people in the long run.

• B. The author is warning readers that the government is fully within its rights to murder its citizens in order to maintain equality among its people.

• C. The author is warning readers that a society that discourages true thought and emotion, even in the name of ‘equality,’ must do so through fear and oppression, and ultimately sacrifices humanity itself.

• D. Vonnegut is showing readers that a government that creates absolute equality for its people will benefit everyone, except those who try to rebel.

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