Examples Of Equality In Harrison Bergeron

Equality provides opportunities, allowing thoughts and expression. However, in Harrison Bergeron’s society, equality does neither. Harrison lives in an America where equality has converted into uniformity and the government handicaps its citizens in attempts to create equalize them. In the short story “Harrison Bergeron,” Kurt Vonnegut utilizes characterization and resolution to portray that altering equality into uniformity ultimately rids equality of its true definition and harms those involved. The depiction of each character and the handicaps placed on them uncovers the harsh contrast between Harrison and the citizens of his society, while simultaneously exposing the actual inequalities of the society. George Bergeron, having a higher

Like George and Hazel, the ballerinas receive handicaps based on their personal advantages. Of the various dancers, one wore a “hideous” mask to hide her beauty and being “the strongest and most graceful of all,” was equipped with handicap weights “as big as those worn by two-hundred pound men.” The handicaps, given to this ballerina to ensure that no one would “feel like something the cat drug in,” only made for more inequality. Instead of giving every ballerina the same mask, making them all look the same, the ballerinas’ beauty determined their issued mask. The gorgeous ballerina was given a hideous mask, making it known that she was beautiful (making her beauty known?) even if hidden by the mask. The lack of a hideous handicap could easily cause for other dancers to feel envious, just as Hazel did with George’s

Able to break away from his handicaps, Harrison storms into the ballerina’s studio and broadcasts himself. He shouts, “I am the Emperor,” able to finally use his own strength. Thriving on his freedom, he seeks for an Empress, and a ballerina joins him. After breaking her handicaps, he questions “shall we show the people the meaning of the word dance?” Knowing that the ballerinas had been trapped under the oppressive handicaps just as he had, he ensures that he and his empress can present true equality and freedom without handicaps. They dance together “in an explosion of joy and grace,” using their own talents without obstruction. Moments after celebrating their new freedom, the Handicapper General enters the room to end their defiance. With two shots from a double barreled shotgun, “the Emperor and Empress were dead before they hit the floor.” Striving to ensure the supposed equality among all citizens, the government aimed to eliminate any protestors and ensure their message did not spread. After the murder of Harrison and his empress, “the Bergerons’ television tube burned out” to end the chaos. George then walks into the room to find Hazel with tears in her eyes. She recalls that she saw something sad on the television, but “it’s all kind of mixed up in my mind.” Only moments later, George receives another thought shattering noise