Harrison Bergeron

Marvin J. Pringle

Mr. Neuburger

Eng. Comp 102-117

21 March 2013

Response Essay

“Harrison Bergeron”

Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s “Harrison Bergeron,” takes readers inside the lives of George, Hazel and Harrison Bergeron.  After reading this passage, the reader reasons individual expression and rights are voided by a government seeking absolute equality. Vonnegut tells readers, “All this equality was due to the 211^th, 212th, 213^th amendments to the constitution and agents of the United States Handicapper General” (293).  He further tells readers about Hazel’s average intelligence and how George “…had a little mental handicap radio in his ear” (294) because of his above normal intelligence. The handicap is required by law and keeps George from using his advantage of higher than normal intelligence. Moreover, when talking about the ballerinas because of their above average ability, he states “They were burdened with sashweights and bags of birdshot, and their faces were masked …” (294) ensuring they are no less good in their dancing and beauty than anyone else. Unlike George and Hazel, Harrison defiantly throws off his handicaps and expresses his individuality and free thought. However, this act of defiance meets harsh results as Harrison is terminated by government agents. In the end, the government seeks to remove advantages by ensuring equality.

Word count: 194

Vonnegut, Kurt, Jr. "Harrison Bergeron." Power of Language; Language of Power: A Collection of Reading. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2011. 293-99. Print. A Custom Edition for Ozarks Technical Community College.