Sarah Rhoten Mr.

Neuburger Comp 102-127 11 September, 2012 Response Essay Harrison Bergeron Kurt Vonneguts essay Harrison Bergeron portrays a time period in which an overly Utopian society dominates everyone. Whereas equality and perfection are desirable and coveted by many, forcing upon them strict handicaps, in an attempt for equality instead displays a tragic misinterpretation of the ideal. Vonnegut paints a vivid picture of society in 2081, They were equal in every way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. (293.) Devices purposely handicap the citizens; scrap metal on strong individuals making them weaker, wearing masks or a red rubber ball to subdue attractive citizens. The possessive grip that the government and Handicapper Generals held on the citizens is so limiting to the extent that anyone who dared challenge the mandatory principles was to be reprimanded, ultimately sent to jail. This unfair and unfortunate fate is portrayed in the life Harrison Bergeron, and his attempt to break free of the handicaps that bind him explained Vonnegut, Not only were the laws of the land abandoned, but the law of gravity and the laws of motion as well. Soon, Harrison would face the ultimate punishmentdeath by the bullet of the Handicapper General. Thus proves, forcing upon people strict handicaps is an extreme misinterpretation of equality. 216 Vonnergut, Kurt. "Harrison Bergeron." 2011. Power of Language Language of Power. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2011. 293-99. Print. Custom Edition for Ozarks Technical Community College.