By Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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1922“Harrison Bergeron”
was first published in
1961, The Magazine of
Fantasy and Science
Fiction
Much of Vonnegut’s
writing is satirical
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In the beginning of the story, the narrator tells us that the equality
people have in 2081 trace back to the 211th, 212th, and 213th
amendments to the Constitution. Currently there are 27 amendments.
Does this extreme number foreshadow anything about the way the
government has gone?
Why does George wear a mental handicap radio in his ear?
What is the theme(s) of this story?
What is the tone of this story? Explain with specific references.
What does the ending of this story imply?
Does Vonnegut think that standing up to the government is worth
one’s life?
What commentary does this story offer on equality? Is it implying we
should not strive for it?
What commentary does this story offer on the role of government?
What role should government have in things like inequality among
schools, races, socioeconomic conditions, and intelligence?
Are there any other modern day examples where the government
works to establish a more equal footing for people?
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Is this story realistic? If so, what makes it so?
This story was set during America’s Cold War
with Russia and a few decades after McCarthy’s
“witch hunts.” How does the time period this was
written during influence the story?
Vonnegut’s experiences with totalitarian regimes
and as a POW are often cited as influential in his
writings. How do you think they influenced this
story?
Is “Harrison Bergeron” a story that endorses
inequality in society?
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2081 Trailor
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi6TTNKdgSk