“Harrison Bergeron” Questions
1. Did your opinion on equality change after reading the story? Explain how it was or was not affected.
2. Merriam-Webster Online defines symbolism as using symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature,
art, etc. The characters in “Harrison Bergeron” are symbolic of groups of people. Explain, using evidence
from the text, how Hazel represents the average citizen; how George represents citizens who are above
average; and how Harrison represents citizens who are extraordinary.
3. Consider the three groups listed in the question above. Which group would you most want to belong to
and why?
4. We often associate equality with fairness. Does the government treat their citizens fairly in their effort
to achieve equality?
5. The government does not want their citizens to think or feel deeply about anything. Explain the
significance (importance) of Hazel and George’s reaction to their son’s death (hint: address how effective
the government has been). How did you respond to their reaction?
“Harrison Bergeron” Questions
1. Did your opinion on equality change after reading the story? Explain how it was or was not affected.
2. Merriam-Webster Online defines symbolism as using symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature,
art, etc. The characters in “Harrison Bergeron” are symbolic of groups of people. Explain, using evidence
from the text, how Hazel represents the average citizen; how George represents citizens who are above
average; and how Harrison represents citizens who are extraordinary.
3. Consider the three groups listed in the question above. Which group would you most want to belong to
and why?
4. We often associate equality with fairness. Does the government treat their citizens fairly in their effort
to achieve equality?
5. The government does not want their citizens to think or feel deeply about anything. Explain the
significance (importance) of Hazel and George’s reaction to their son’s death (hint: address how effective
the government has been). How did you respond to their reaction?
Move your Butt Pre-Reading Activity
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Equality is good.
Equality means that everyone is equal in every way imaginable (everyone is the same).
It is okay for a person to be better at something than someone else.
If everyone excels at something different, then everyone can still be considered equal.
It is better to be average than extraordinary.
Competition is good.
Competition motivates me.
I feel badly when I am better at something than someone else.
I feel good when I win something.
I feel bad when I lose something.
Losing makes me want to improve.
Reality shows that revolve around competition should be banned from TV.
The world would be a more enjoyable (happier) place if everyone was the same.
It is easier to achieve equality by bringing above-average people down rather than below-average
people up.