Exploring Harrison Bergeron and the Concept of Equity

What central question does Kurt Vonnegut explore in 'Harrison Bergeron'?

• Can a society have too much power?

• Can a society have too much equality?

• Can a society have too much freedom?

• Can a society have too much wealth?

In 'Harrison Bergeron', what has the United States achieved?

• Complete freedom

• Total anarchy

• Absolute power

• Complete and total equity

How is physical equality enforced in 'Harrison Bergeron'?

• By giving everyone the same job

• By providing equal education

• By using weights and chains

• By making everyone wear the same clothes

What device is used to suppress intellectual abilities in 'Harrison Bergeron'?

• A mask

• A weight belt

• An ear implant

• A wristband

What happens to people who are especially good looking in 'Harrison Bergeron'?

• They are ignored

• They have to wear a mask

• They are celebrated

• They are given special privileges

In the society of 'Harrison Bergeron', what is considered a dysfunction?

• Any difference in wealth, ability, or intelligence

• Any act of kindness

• Any form of creativity

• Any form of rebellion

According to Vonnegut, what brings true injustice?

• A system that values intelligence

• A system that encourages competition

• A system that forces equality of outcome

• A system that promotes freedom

What does the protagonist, Harrison Bergeron, do to challenge the system?

• He writes a book

• He escapes the country

• He sheds his chains and those of the performers around him

• He starts a revolution

What is celebrated in the ballet witnessed by the readers?

• The equality of all performers

• The simplicity of life

• The mundane

• The awesome splendor of human potential

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the main message of 'Harrison Bergeron'?

• Equality is the ultimate goal

• Inequality is necessary for progress

• Freedom should be restricted

• Wealth should be distributed equally