Harrison Bergeron

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

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Aspects of dystopia?

Are the citizens of the United States in 2081 (setting of H.B.) truly "equal"?

How about citizens today?

Using 20 words, summarise the story of Harrison Bergeron.

Did Harrison's rebellion
accomplish anything?

Why aren't George and Hazel more affected by what they see happening to their son on TV?

What kind of atmosphere does Vonnegut's plain language and dry tone evoke?

1. dystopian
2. utopian
3. science fiction

Which character has totally succumbed to government manipulation, believing that if things change, society would fall apart?

1. Hazel Bergeron
2. Diana Moon Glampers
3. George Bergeron
4. the unnamed cello player who just wants to be a duke

In which way is George different from Hazel?

1. George thinks government-imposed equality is fair
2. He has to wear a mental handicap
3. His son, Harrison, rarely crosses his mind
4. Competition is a strong desire in George

Why does Hazel suggest to George that he lighten the bag of birdshot that is padlocked around his neck?

1. She is concerned that he is looking worn out and tired.
2. She knows that he's been having trouble sleeping lately
3. She thinks he could use a break from the loud, piercing noise
4. She misses the way he used to embrace her

You can conclude that Harrison most likely decides to escape from jail because he

1. Can no longer distinguish right from wrong.
2. Wants to dance on television with a ballerina.
3. Is angry about the handicaps imposed by the government.
4. Hopes to show the government that he is not a threat to society.

The biggest conflict Harrison faces in the story is between

1. expressing his individuality versus accepting the rules of equality that the government has imposed
2. visiting his parents in their home versus wanting to make a statement for individual rights on tv
3. wanting to dance with the ballerina versus wanting to keep his government-mandated restraints in place
4. choosing to do what his parents have taught him to do versus what the government wants him to do

Which is the climax of the story?

1. Hazel and George start watching tv.
2. George goes to the kitchen for a beer.
3. A photograph of Harrison flashes on the screen.
4. Harrison and his empress kiss the ceiling and get shot down.

The author's purpose for "Harrison Bergeron" is probably to

1. Make the reader question if he or she should have a personal handicap
2. Persuade the reader to rebel against the government
3. Inform the reader about government handicaps in other societies
4. Caution the reader about the potential problems in a world where everyone is equal & where the govt intervenes a lot with people's freedom

How is Harrison’s interruption of the ballet put to an end?

1. Harrison and the ballerina finish their beautiful dance.
2. The crowd leaves in disgust.
3. George and Hazel stop the dance.
4. Harrison and the ballerina are killed.

How does the government censor Harrison’s rebellion?

1. They stop the television broadcast.
2. They end the radio broadcast.
3. The army forces the crowd to leave.
4. They alter the story in the newspaper.

Harrison’s handicaps – which he sheds – are a symbol of –

1. His family and friends who did not help him.
2. The oppressions of a flawed government.
3. His insecurities about his own abilities.
4. His abilities to be a fair ruler and emperor.

Which dystopian characteristic is the best choice for the introduction of the story?
"THE YEAR WAS 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way."

1. Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.
2. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.
3. Citizens have a fear of the outside world.
4. Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

Which dystopian characteristic is the best choice for this sentence from the text?
"George was toying with the vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn't be handicapped. But he didn't get very far with it before another noise in his ear radio scattered his thoughts."

1. Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society.
2. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.
3. Citizens have a fear of the outside world.
4. Citizens live in a dehumanized state.

Which dystopian characteristic is the best choice for this?

"There were tears on Hazel's cheeks, but she'd forgotten for the moment what they were about."

1. Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted.
2. Citizens have a fear of the outside world.
3. Citizens live in a dehumanized state.
4. The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

If Harrison were allowed to declare himself Emperor, how do you think he would have changed society? Would it have been better, worse, or the same? Support your claim with evidence from the story.

To do in groups of max 5 people!

- Work through each text together to identify the following: 

1. Genre 

2. Protagonist & antagonist 

3. Climax 

4. Moral/ message of the story 

5. A 20 word summary

Finished? Start at the beginning of the booklet and make sure everything has been answered. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GVHgpCnBmk