Vonnegut
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. See more quotes from Kurt Vonnegut HERE
Questions for "Harrison Bergeron"
[Level 2 responses]
Answer ALL (3-5 sentences each).
Explain two ways characters are handicapped in the story.
List specific elements that contribute to the story’s dystopian themes.
Can man forget he is human?
[Level 3/4 responses]
Select ONE and respond in a cohesive 150-200 word response.
Societal Restrictions
What do you think of the approach this society has taken to achieving equality, bringing everyone down to the same low level instead of helping to build everyone up to higher levels (of intelligence, strength, grace, beauty, etc.)?
If/Then
If this hypothetical society (in the story) had just focused its time and energy on making sure every citizen was treated equally under the law, on overcoming racism, sexism, classism, etc., and closing the extreme gap between the wealthiest and the poorest people so that everyone would have all their basic needs met, how would that society be different?
Compare
Compare the situation in this story to the one in 1984. How is the authority similar? How is the authority different? What is each author -- Orwell and Vonnegut -- trying to tell readers about human society?
Compare
Compare the situation in this story to one in the real world. Your analogy need not involve government, but may concern any authority structure. What is the author trying to tell readers about human society?
Character Development
In what ways do any of the characters change from the beginning of the story to the end? What is the author saying about the human condition based on the development of these characters?
Personal Development
Are there any events from your personal life or from current events that have affected the way you feel about this story?
harrison BERGERON.pdf