Question: Describe the state of the U.S. society as described in the first paragraph. How has “equality” been achieved?

Answer: The country is in a state of equality, in which no racism or discrimination occurs. Everyone feels and acts to everyone as equal. The equality was achieved by the 211th, 212th, and 213th amendments to the Constitution, and the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.

Question: Consider the characters of George and Hazel. Why isn’t Hazel handicapped?

Answer: Hazel has average intelligence.

Question: How does George seem to feel about his handicaps?

Answer: He finds them annoying, but he puts up with it.

Question: Consider the character of Harrison in terms of both his physical qualities and personality traits. Why is he considered a threat to society?

Answer: He is considered a threat because he is not considered equal to all, so he is given handicaps for to be like the average person.

Question: In your opinion, what is the shedding of Harrison’s handicaps symbolic of?

Answer: It is symbolic of getting ridding himself of the government’s power over him.

Question: What is the significance of the dance that Harrison performs with the ballerina? How does the style in which the story is written change in this passage?

Answer: It shows their true beauty and how amazing they can be when they are not suppressed. During the dance the mood of the story lightens up.

Question: Why do you think the Vonnegut decides to write dance scene in this way?

Answer: To show the innocence of the people.

Question: How do George and Hazel react to the televised murder of their son? What connections can you make between this scene and Fahrenheit 451?

Answer: Like in Fahrenheit 451 the people do not have emotions.

Question: What do you consider to be the message of Harrison Bergeron (there are multiple)? What leads you to this understanding of the text?

Answer: His message is to the people that they should forget everything they have been told in life and abandon their government to follow him. He says he is taking over and they must do as he says. This is understood by his sudden announcement of overthrowing the government.

Question: Reread the first column of the story. What revelations occur to you now that you know the

ending?

Answer: