Reading Guide for “Harrison Bergeron”
I. VOCABULARY: Be able to define the following words and understand them when they appear
in the story or class discussion.
Word & Definition
Oppression:
calibrated
consternation
cower
hindrance
Part of Speech
Synonym
luminous
synchronizing
vigilance
wince
II. LITERARY TERMS
1. setting: What is the setting of this story?
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2. Theme: What is the theme of this story?
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3. Metaphor: Find an example of a metaphor. What is being compared?
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III. QUESTIONS: Answer the following questions:
1. What has guaranteed equality? ___________________________________________________________________
2. How old is Harrison? ____________________________________________________________________________
3. What has happened to Harrison? _________________________________________________________________
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4. How has the government made George and Hazel equal? What does George have to wear and how
does it affect his life?________________________________________________________________________________
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5. What does Hazel say she would do if she were Handicap General?
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6. What is the name of the Handicap General? ______________________________________________________
7. What is the consequence for taking off or lessening the weight of the handicap bag?
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8. What reason does George give for not trying to cheat? Based on this reason, what can we infer
about George’s opinion of the current laws?
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9. Why wasn’t the news bulletin clear at first to the George and Hazel and other viewers?
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10. Why did the ballerina apologize about her voice?
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11. What is the news bulletin? ________________________________________________________________________
12. Describe Harrison Bergeron with all of his handicaps?
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13. What does Harrison declare on television? _______________________________________________________
14. What happens to Harrison? Be specific. __________________________________________________________
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