The story of “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. A critical response is a literary analysis of the elements of a story. It involves identifying the literary elements (i.e. characterization) and analyzing how the author used these techniques to create meaning. Body Paragraphs (TEA or CEA method) Please write in complete sentences. Body Paragraph #3- Theme
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows the theme in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author's last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses at the END of the quote. Example- (Vonnegut 2).
In “Harrison Bergeron,” one prominent theme is the dangers of societal conformity and equality taken to extreme measures. This theme is evident throughout the story, particularly when it is revealed that every citizen is mandated to wear handicaps in order to suppress their individual strengths and talents. The narrator states, “Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else… all this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General” (Vonnegut 1). This quote demonstrates the extreme lengths the government goes to in order to enforce equality, completely stripping individuals of any exceptional abilities or qualities. The theme of societal conformity and enforced equality is further reinforced by the character of Harrison Bergeron himself. Despite his mental and physical handicaps, Harrison possesses exceptional strength and intelligence. However, his attempt to defy the government’s rules and showcase his uniqueness ultimately leads to his tragic demise. This further emphasizes the detrimental consequences of an overly conformist society, where exceptional individuals are oppressed and suppressed.
Use a different quote
Certainly! Another quote that illustrates the theme of societal conformity and equality taken to extreme measures in "Harrison Bergeron" is when the narrator describes the consequences of Harrison's actions. The quote states, "It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General, came into the studio with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor" (Vonnegut 3). This quote demonstrates the severity of the government's response to any form of rebellion or individuality. The Handicapper General, acting as the enforcer of equality, resorts to extreme violence in order to maintain control over the citizens. Harrison's brief display of his unique abilities challenges the societal norms and disrupts the false sense of equality. The quote highlights the dangerous lengths the government is willing to go to protect their ideal of uniformity, even resorting to murder. Overall, the quote further emphasizes the theme of the dangers of enforced conformity and equality, as it showcases the brutal consequences for those who dare to be different.
Use a different quote again
Certainly! Another quote that reveals the theme of societal conformity and the dangers of extreme equality in "Harrison Bergeron" is when the narrator describes the impact of Harrison's rebellion on the spectators. The quote states, "They reeled, whirled, swiveled, flounced, capered, gamboled, and spun… Some of them were crying, old men and women, but like the shouts of a drunken man, the cries of the people in the crowd were not coherent. 'Even as I stand here,' he bellowed, 'crippled, hobbled, sickened... I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now watch me become what I can become!' He ripped off his handicaps. 'I shall now select my Empress!' he said, looking down on the cowering people" (Vonnegut 4). This quote shows the immediate impact of Harrison refusing to conform to the imposed equality. The crowd, who have been conditioned to suppress their emotions and physical abilities, react with both awe and confusion as they witness his exhibition of freedom and power. Harrison's words and actions challenge the principle of enforced equality, as he proclaims himself a superior ruler and rejects the idea of limiting one's individual potential. This quote exemplifies the core theme of the story, as it displays the shocking disruption caused by Harrison's defiance and the power of individuality in an oppressive society.
