First Read: Harrison Bergeron

Which of the following statements explains why George and Hazel don't think about their son more often?

• They weren't very close with their son.

• They don't like how sad it makes them feel.

• They agreed with the government's decision to take him away.

• They aren't able to think about anything for very long.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which of the following describes how Harrison feels about his handicaps?

• He believes they have failed to make him equal to others.

• He believes they have made him weaker than others.

• He thinks everyone but him should wear handicaps.

• He thinks they have made him stronger.

While Harrison and the ballerina dance, they...

• become competitive.

• fall in love with each other.

• appear to have no limitations.

• make others question their handicaps.

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.

Which of the following statements are possible themes for this story? Choose three answers.

• Attempting to achieve complete equality will never work; it will make everyone unhappy and there will be no creativity.

• The government should encourage everyone to hide their differences in order to have a more peaceful and equal society.

• Forcing uniformity on people doesn't result in equality; it causes conflicts and unhappiness.

• People don't realize how important individuality is until they have what makes them different taken away.

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.