Figurative Language
"She was blindingly beautiful."
👉 Identify the figurative language and explain how it connects to the story’s theme.
Simile – exaggerates Hazel’s beauty to show how natural talents and appearance are suppressed by the government’s obsession with equality.
(answers will vary)
"Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness."
👉 How does Vonnegut’s diction in the word tore reveal Harrison’s character?
“Tore” suggests strength, power, and action; it emphasizes Harrison’s defiance and rebellion.
"Nobody was allowed to be beautiful, strong, or intelligent."
👉 Explain the irony in this rule.
It’s ironic because traits normally valued and admired are punished to enforce equality.
What is the setting?
2081 in the United States. The government enforces strict equality amongst its citizens.
"Everyone must be equal, even if it means handicapping the talented."
👉 What is a simple theme of the story from this idea?
Forcing everyone to be equal can be harmful or unfair.
"Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness like wet tissue paper."
👉 Identify the figurative language and explain its thematic connection. (NOT SIMILE)
Hyperbole – exaggerates the ease of removing the handicaps, highlighting the immense power and potential of individuality.
"The tears stood on Hazel’s cheeks, but she’d forgotten what for."
👉 How does the diction of the word “stood” convey Hazel’s emotional state?
“Stood” gives the tears a frozen, unmoving quality, showing Hazel’s numbness and detachment.
"Hazel can’t remember why she cried, but the reader knows what happened."
👉 Identify the dramatic irony and explain its effect.
The reader understands the injustice, but Hazel doesn’t, emphasizing society’s emotional suppression.
"Harrison Bergeron appears on live television and declares himself Emperor."
👉 How does this event contribute to the rising action of the story?
It creates conflict and builds tension as Harrison challenges the government.
"Harrison breaks free of his handicaps and tries to show people what they could be."
👉 What theme does this moment suggest?
Individuality and freedom are valuable.
"The television announcer’s voice shook as it relayed the news."
👉 Identify the figurative language and explain how it connects to theme.
Personification – gives human qualities to the announcer’s voice, emphasizing how the media is constrained and reflects societal control.
"Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, entered the room."
👉 What connotation does the word “Handicapper” carry, and what does it reveal about her role?
Negative connotation – it implies punishment and restriction, showing her power and control over others.
"The government had to make everyone equal."
👉 How is Vonnegut’s diction here ironic?
Saying “make everyone equal” sounds positive, but it actually describes oppression, highlighting the satirical critique of forced equality.
"Harrison and the ballerina leap into the air, defying gravity and handicaps, before being shot by the Handicapper General."
👉 Explain why this is the climax?
The moment of highest tension and action; Harrison’s rebellion is at its peak before being crushed.
"The government controls how people think, look, and act."
👉 What theme does this show?
Extreme control or oppression limits people’s potential.
"He flung away his rubber-ball nose, revealed a man that would have awed Thor."
👉 Identify the figurative language and explain how it reflects the story’s themes of individuality and resistance.
Answer: Hyperbole – The comparison to Thor exaggerates Harrison’s extraordinary power and presence, highlighting how individuality and human potential challenge oppressive conformity.
"He had to wear weights to counteract his strength."
👉 How does Vonnegut’s diction in the word weights convey the effect of the handicaps on Harrison?
“Weights” suggests burden and restriction; it emphasizes how society limits individuality and ability.
"The Handicapper General shoots Harrison and the ballerina on live TV."
👉 How does this demonstrate satire of authoritarian control?
It exaggerates the absurdity of extreme equality, showing how power can oppress even the extraordinary.
"Hazel forgets what she cried about, and life returns to its controlled state."
👉 What part of the plot is this, and what does it say about society?
Resolution – the story ends with society returning to normal, showing that oppression continues.
"Harrison and the ballerina are killed for trying to be different."
👉 What theme is shown here?
Rebellion or individuality is punished in a controlling society.
"Harrison and the ballerina leaped like graceful birds in the air, defying gravity and the laws of the Handicapper General."
👉 Identify the figurative language and explain the thematic significance. (TWO TYPES OF FIG.LANG.)
Simile/Hyperbole – exaggerates their freedom and grace, showing the power and beauty of rebellion against oppressive equality.
"Nobody was allowed to be beautiful or graceful or strong."
👉 What is the connotation of “beautiful,” “graceful,” and “strong,” and how does it reinforce the story’s theme?
These words normally have positive connotations, but the government restricts them, showing how forced equality suppresses human excellence and individuality.
"The government claims equality will make people happy."
👉 What is ironic about this claim?
It’s ironic because the society’s “equality” actually creates suffering, restriction, and fear, not happiness.
"Harrison’s parents, George and Hazel, watch the events unfold on television, but George’s thoughts are constantly interrupted by his handicap."
👉 How does this event build rising action and tension in the story?
It shows the stakes of Harrison’s rebellion and highlights the control the government has over citizens, increasing suspense before the climax.
"Even small acts of defiance, like Harrison’s, can show the power of human spirit."
👉 What theme does this suggest?
Individual courage matters, even if society is oppressive.