Exploring Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut

In 2081, society enforces equality through amendments and the Handicapper General. George and Hazel Bergeron live under these laws, unable to think deeply due to mental handicaps. Their son, Harrison, escapes from jail, declaring himself emperor on live TV. He removes his handicaps and dances with a ballerina, defying gravity and societal laws. However, the Handicapper General kills them, restoring the status quo. George and Hazel, unable to remember the event, continue their mundane lives.

What year is the story set in?

• 2081

• 1984

• 2050

• 2021

What amendments to the constitution enforced equality?

• 213th, 214th, 215th

• 212th, 213th, 214th

• 211th, 212th, 213th

• 210th, 211th, 212th

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RI.9-10.7

CCSS.RL.6.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

Why couldn't George and Hazel think deeply about their son Harrison?

• They were too busy

• They were out of town

• They had average intelligence and mental handicaps

• They didn't care

What device does George have to wear by law?

• A bracelet

• A wristwatch

• A mental handicap radio

• A necklace

What does Hazel suggest she would do if she were the Handicapper General?

• Increase the weights

• Remove all handicaps

• Have chimes on Sunday

• Ban television

What was the news bulletin about?

• A new law

• A sports event

• A weather update

• Harrison's escape from jail

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

How tall is Harrison Bergeron?

• 5 feet

• 6 feet

• 8 feet

• 7 feet

What does Harrison declare himself as in the TV studio?

• A general

• An emperor

• A president

• A king

What happens to Harrison and the ballerina at the end?

• They escape

• They are arrested

• They are killed

• They are crowned

What does George tell Hazel to do about sad things?

• Remember them

• Forget them

• Write them down

• Talk about them