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Harrison Bergeron

Harrison Bergeron. Author. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007) Attended Cornell University (chemistry major) Edited school newspaper at Cornell Served in the Army (WW II POW) Survived Dresden fire bombing and Battle of the Bulge Started writing in 1951 after quitting job at GE

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Harrison Bergeron

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  1. Harrison Bergeron

  2. Author • Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007) • Attended Cornell University (chemistry major) • Edited school newspaper at Cornell • Served in the Army (WW II POW) • Survived Dresden fire bombing and Battle of the Bulge • Started writing in 1951 after quitting job at GE • Focused on SciFi. First major novel “Player Piano” (1952) • Also wrote “Slaughterhouse Five”

  3. Plot Summary • Rising Action • 2081 and everyone is finally “equal” • People are physically and mentally handicapped if proven to be above average in any way • Readers learn about measures taken to enforce equality (prison, fines, further handicaps) • George and Hazel are watching TV • Reader learns of Harrison’s recent arrest • News Bulletin: Harrison’s escape from custody

  4. Plot Summary • Climax • Harrison breaks into TV studio • Claims to be an emperor • Requests an empress • Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, fatally shoots them on live TV

  5. Plot Summary • Resolving Action • Musicians are told to put their handicaps back on at gunpoint • The TV burned out • George gets a beer • Hazel is sad for a minute and then forgets why she was crying

  6. Theme • Lack of freedom • Government amends the Constitution to include the pursuit of equality to the maximum extent • Government mandated handicaps are strictly enforced • Nonconformists are severely punished • People are prohibited from “taking unfair advantage of their brains” • Oppression and ignorance is maintained • Natural abilities are suppressed

  7. Characterization • George • Stronger and smarter than average • Required to wear mental and physical handicaps • Personal freedom severely hindered • Hazel • Considered “average” in this society • Not required to wear any handicaps • Naturally incapable of standing up to oppressors

  8. Characterization • Harrison • Above average in every way • HG men can’t create handicaps to adequately limit his abilities • His lack of conformity results in his death • Diana Moon Glampers • Comparatively as smart as Hazel (and in charge) • Responsible for ruthlessly enforcing the laws that oppress society • Willing to kill people to maintain the status quo

  9. Setting • 2081 • The lack of freedom results in a devaluing of creativity, self-expression, and ingenuity resulting in society being limited to the technology of the 1960’s • Characters admit that they don’t want to return to the “dark ages”- the age of competition and free thought

  10. Tone and Style • Vonnegut criticizes those who pursue true equality • He saw the trends in society and followed them to their logical end • He strives to point out that such a pursuit is unnatural, foolish, and impossible • His dark satire convincingly portrays the “equal” society in a negative light

  11. Symbol • Handicaps • The government’s attempt to limit freedom • They symbolize a shift in priorities: from freedom to oppression • HG men • Possibly symbolize a government agency like the FBI or CIA because of the extent of their power

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