Harrison Bergeron Themes and Events

In Kurt Vonnegut's 'Harrison Bergeron', set in 2081, society enforces equality through handicaps. The story follows 14-year-old Harrison, who is imprisoned for his exceptional abilities. His parents, George and Hazel, watch a TV broadcast where Harrison escapes and declares himself emperor in a TV studio. He removes his handicaps and dances with a ballerina, but the rebellion is short-lived as Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, kills them. The story ends with George and Hazel's obliviousness to their son's fate, highlighting the oppressive nature of enforced equality.

What year is the story 'Harrison Bergeron' set in?

• 2021

• 2081

• 2050

• 1984

What are the handicaps used for in the story?

• To enhance abilities

• To enforce equality

• To reward talent

• To punish criminals

Who are Harrison's parents?

• Paul and Susan

• Tom and Linda

• John and Mary

• George and Hazel

Why does George wear a handicap radio in his ear?

• To communicate with Hazel

• To prevent him from thinking deeply

• To receive government orders

• To listen to music

What does Hazel suggest George should do about the laws?

• Break them

• Follow them strictly

• Ignore them

• Rewrite them

What significant event is announced on TV?

• A government speech

• A new law

• Harrison's escape

• A dance competition

What does Harrison declare himself in the TV studio?

• A king

• A president

• An emperor

• A general

What does Harrison do to the ballerina?

• Asks her to leave

• Gives her a new handicap

• Removes her handicaps

• Ignores her

What happens to Harrison and the ballerina at the end of their dance?

• They escape

• They are crowned

• They are arrested

• They are killed

Who orders the musicians to put their handicaps back on?

• Hazel

• Diana Moon Glampers

• George

• Harrison