Harrison bergeron
As the story begins, the reader learns that the story takes place in an equal society where everybody was equal in every way. “The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal…United States Handicapper General.” (Vonnegut, 912) It is in these living conditions that Vonnegut creates conflict by developing the characteristics of the “law abiding” father George Bergeron and his “rebel” son Harrison Bergeron.
As George and Hazel watch television one night the program is interrupted by an announcement stating that "Harrison Bergeron, age fourteen, has just escaped from jail, where he was held on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government. He is a genius and an athlete, is under-handicapped, and should be regarded as extremely dangerous."(Vonnegut, 915) At first the reader is lead to believe that Harrison is a miscreant and should not be trusted. That is until Harrison’s character is further developed. “Harrison placed his big hands on the girls tiny waist, letting her sense the weightlessness that would soon be hers. And then, in an explosion of joy and grace… hit the floor.” (Vonnegut, 916-917) By further developing Harrison’s character, the reader no longer views him as the villain of the story, but starts to understand why he was trying to over throw the government. Hence, the reader is now conflicted, what would they do if in George and Harrison’s position, die trying to overthrow the government, or die never truly being yourself.
The handicaps that both George and Harrison wear, helps the reader understand their disposition. “It was tragic, all right, but George and Hazel couldn't think…advantage of their brains.” (Vonnegut, 913) “The rest of Harrison's appearance was Hallowee …headaches besides.” (Vonnegut, 915) Because George was more average than Harrison, he only had one handicap, while Harrison had several. This shows that at the age of 14, Harrison was more of a “threat” to the world than his father.
Most readers agree with George for not
As George and Hazel watch television one night the program is interrupted by an announcement stating that "Harrison Bergeron, age fourteen, has just escaped from jail, where he was held on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government. He is a genius and an athlete, is under-handicapped, and should be regarded as extremely dangerous."(Vonnegut, 915) At first the reader is lead to believe that Harrison is a miscreant and should not be trusted. That is until Harrison’s character is further developed. “Harrison placed his big hands on the girls tiny waist, letting her sense the weightlessness that would soon be hers. And then, in an explosion of joy and grace… hit the floor.” (Vonnegut, 916-917) By further developing Harrison’s character, the reader no longer views him as the villain of the story, but starts to understand why he was trying to over throw the government. Hence, the reader is now conflicted, what would they do if in George and Harrison’s position, die trying to overthrow the government, or die never truly being yourself.
The handicaps that both George and Harrison wear, helps the reader understand their disposition. “It was tragic, all right, but George and Hazel couldn't think…advantage of their brains.” (Vonnegut, 913) “The rest of Harrison's appearance was Hallowee …headaches besides.” (Vonnegut, 915) Because George was more average than Harrison, he only had one handicap, while Harrison had several. This shows that at the age of 14, Harrison was more of a “threat” to the world than his father.
Most readers agree with George for not