“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr explore the implications of absolute equality. The story traverses through Orwellian future, where complete and utter equality is the rule of the land. The reality of complete social, physical and metal equality is quickly revealed to be immensely flawed. The text, unravels a world of utter obscurity were people live in extreme and unnatural physical and mental states. The story revolves around several characters experience and reaction to their handicapping by the state. Vonnegut, utilizes the differing gender, age, occupation...etc. of his characters to paint a clear image of the consequences of this harrowing practice on a wide range of people. Therefore, the text provides a satirical critique of
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For example, a person's strength would be matched with the amount of weight they carry around their bodies. Thus, this notion reveals some of the deep flaws in the system, as instead of diminishing the noticeability of any superior traits it would further highlight them, making complete equality virtually impossible. George and Hazel exhibit a unique dynamic; George, the one burdened with a great deal of handicapping, refuses to oppose the system whereas his wife, the one not subjected to handicapping, attempts to unburden her husband and voices her opinion against the irrationality of the practice. Hazel, who is somewhat of an outsider as she is not subjected to the same harsh reality as her son and husband, says to her husband that she does not “care if you're not equal to me for a while" (1307). This notion exemplifies the irrationality of the practice. In the sense that equality is not necessarily beneficial to society as a whole and especially when practiced in all aspects of life. George’s acceptance of condition can be attributed to his inability to retain his thought, due to his
For example, a person's strength would be matched with the amount of weight they carry around their bodies. Thus, this notion reveals some of the deep flaws in the system, as instead of diminishing the noticeability of any superior traits it would further highlight them, making complete equality virtually impossible. George and Hazel exhibit a unique dynamic; George, the one burdened with a great deal of handicapping, refuses to oppose the system whereas his wife, the one not subjected to handicapping, attempts to unburden her husband and voices her opinion against the irrationality of the practice. Hazel, who is somewhat of an outsider as she is not subjected to the same harsh reality as her son and husband, says to her husband that she does not “care if you're not equal to me for a while" (1307). This notion exemplifies the irrationality of the practice. In the sense that equality is not necessarily beneficial to society as a whole and especially when practiced in all aspects of life. George’s acceptance of condition can be attributed to his inability to retain his thought, due to his