Harrison Bergeron Think Questions

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.

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.

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the government ensure equality in "Harrison Bergeron"?

• By providing education to all

• By limiting the amount of money one can earn

• By handicapping those who are above average

• By encouraging competition

What does the character Hazel represent in the story?

• The ideal citizen in the eyes of the government.

• The intellectual superiority of some individuals.

• The emotional impact of the government's policies on families.

• The resistance movement against the government.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the story explore the concept of freedom?

• By showing that freedom is less important than safety.

• Through the characters' acceptance of their roles in society.

• By depicting the consequences of a society that sacrifices freedom for equality.

• By suggesting that freedom can only be achieved through rebellion.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How does the story "Harrison Bergeron" end?

• Harrison becomes the ruler.

• Harrison's rebellion is successful, and the handicaps are removed.

• Harrison and the ballerina are killed.

• The government realizes their mistake and changes the laws.

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.

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.