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Individuality In Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron

608 Words3 Pages

Throughout history, many powerful men have strived for equality- to eliminate the people and qualities they view as imperfect. The government agency Harrison fights against in Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s short story, “Harrison Bergeron”, works for the same goal, but in a different way. Harrison Bergeron rebels against a government who handicaps the unique, the intelligent, the beautiful, and the strong. However, despite their efforts, they can not conjure up handicaps which control him. Consequently, he escapes from imprisonment and revolts. The fictional character, Harrison Bergeron, exemplifies the idea that conformity can not eradicate individuality- it can only hinder it. He has to attune to society and in the end, the handicaps hinder him but do not take aways his individuality. In fact, they enhance every aspect of him. …show more content…

At that young age, he plans to overthrow the government who controllingly lords over him and the rest of America. In the dancing studio, after a surprising entrance, he fearlessly claims to the whole population watching, “I am the Emperor! Do you hear? I am the Emperor! Everybody must do what I say at once!” Even though the United States Handicapper General harshly handicaps him, Harrison does not surrender his values or free-thinking. No matter how hard they may try, the government cannot taint his individual

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