Plot & Comprehension
This is the year in which the events of the story take place.
What is 2081?
The author repeats the word “equal” in paragraph 1 to emphasize this concept.
What is forced equality / society’s obsession with equality?
Why does George refuse to remove handicap weights from his bag?
Because he believes removing them would break the law and damage society’s order. Possibly causing MORE people to do the same.
Who says, “I am the Emperor!”?
Harrison Bergeron
What type of society is depicted in Harrison Bergeron?
A dystopian society
George Bergeron is required to wear this device because of his above-average intelligence.
What is a mental handicap radio/earpiece?
The exaggeration of Harrison’s strength and size is an example of this literary device.
What is hyperbole?
Why does Hazel suggest George remove some of his handicap weights?
Because she feels bad for him and thinks he should be more comfortable
What event does Hazel describe when she says, “Something real sad on television”?
Harrison’s death
What type of irony is present when a society claiming to create equality instead creates oppression and suffering?
Situational Irony
Harrison is taken away at 14 because the government considers him this.
What is dangerous/extremely dangerous to society?
The contrast between the society’s goal of equality and the suffering it creates is this type of irony.
What is situational irony?
Why does Harrison declare himself emperor?
To reject the government’s control and assert his power/individuality.
What do the handicaps symbolize in the story?
Government oppression / forced equality / suppression of individuality
What internal conflict does George experience throughout the story?
He struggles between his thoughts/feelings and society’s forced suppression of his intelligence.
During Harrisons televised rebellion, Harrison removes these to reject the government’s control.
What are his handicaps?
The entire story functions as this literary element because it uses exaggeration and irony to criticize society.
What is satire?
Why do the ballerinas & audience members listen to Harrison?
Because they are afraid of him and his power. Society has named him the most dangerous person.
What does the ballerina’s mask symbolize?
The suppression of beauty and individuality
Which literary element is developed when the author shows a contrast between society’s claims and its actual reality?
Irony
Diana Moon Glampers stops Harrison’s rebellion by doing this.
What is shooting/killing Harrison and the ballerina?
“They leaped like deer on the moon” is an example of this figurative language.
What is a simile?
Why does Hazel quickly forget what made her cry at the end of the story?
Because she lacks intelligence/ OR has "average" intelligence
What does the ending symbolize about the society in the story?
That society has become numb, controlled, and unable to resist oppression
Political cartoons are perfect examples of what literary element
satire