Irony in Satire: “Harrison Bergeron”
CP English 10
Below I have given you a few examples of ironic passages from the story.
Keep in mind that situational irony is a difference between what you expect to happen
and what really happens. Verbal irony is a difference between what is said and what is
meant.
Try to figure out what makes each one of these passages ironic.
Ironic Passage
Hazel had a perfectly
average intelligence, which
meant she couldn’t think of
anything except in short
bursts. And George, while
his intelligence was way
above normal, had a little
mental-handicap radio in
his ear. (pg. 167)
“I’d think it would be real
interesting, hearing all the
different sounds,” said
Hazel, a little envious. “All
the things they think up.”
(pg. 168)
She must have been
extraordinarily beautiful,
because the mask she wore
was hideous. And it was
easy to see that she was
the strongest and most
graceful of all the dancers,
for her handicap bags were
as big as those worn by
two-hundred-pound men.
(pg. 169)
Ballerinas, technicians,
musicians, and announcers
cowered on their knees
before [Harrison],
expecting to die. (page
170)
Hint
Look for the oxymoron in
the passage.
Think about what the
word envious implies.
Think about the purpose
of the mask and bags.
Think about what
Harrison really intended
to do.
Why is this ironic?