Harrison Bergeron: Standard Questions

By using third-person limited point of view, the author is able to...

• realize what Harrison thinks about all of his handicaps

• give the readers knowledge about the brief thoughts that George has

• understand only Hazel's responses to George

• know the thoughts and feelings of all the characters

How do the different handicaps contribute to the theme of the story?

• They show how being unique can be dangerous to yourself and the people around you.

• They emphasized how the most ordinary people are often the most valued in a society.

• They stress how the work towards achieving total equality won't be easy or pleasant.

• They illustrate how much must be done to make the most unique and talented individuals conform.

What statement best expresses the author's critique of this society?

• The government should encourage everyone to hide their difference in order to have a more peaceful society.

• Forcing uniformity on people doesn't result in equality, but rather causes conflict and unhappiness.

• Attempting to achieve complete equality will only result in widespread conflict.

• People don't realize how important individuality is until their difference are taken away.

How does Harrison's removal of his handicaps develop the plot of the story?

• Harrison inspires people to rebel against the government.

• Harrison briefly shows people what is possible without handicaps.

• Harrison's violent outburst makes the audience believe that handicaps are good.

• Harrison makes his parents proud that he stood up for what is right.

What does the dance with Harrison and the ballerina symbolize?

• freedom from limitations

• artistic creativity

• obedience to authority

• destruction of property

Based on her lack of handicaps, what can readers infer about Hazel?

• She is not beautiful

• She is not smart

• she is not strong

• She is average in beauty, intelligence, and strength.

Choose the best definition for the word calibrate.

• a thing that provides resistance or delay

• to move to California

• a high pitched scream

• to make small adjustments for better performance

Having over 200 Amendments to the Constitution is an extreme way to show the theme of ----.

• manipulation
• rules and order
• justice and judgement
• extreme control issues

How is the word "equality" used in "Harrison Bergeron?"

• to signify our common ground as human beings
• to show that race doesn't matter
• to mean that class doesn't matter
• to mean that people are the same in every possible way

Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron" is an example of what kind of literary term?

• Allusion: referencing to the unique god-like power of individuals

• Allegory:

  interpretation that reveals the dangers of the ideal "utopian" society.

• Metaphor:

  comparison between individuals and their talents.

• Juxtaposition:

  placing the opposite weaknesses and strengths to demonstrate equality.