Name: ___

Mr. Buck
Period #
Date: __________
“Harrison Bergeron” Reading Analysis

Directions: As you read, answer the following questions. When you get to the “After Reading”
section, answer the questions to help you during class discussion. When you finish, turn the
assignment into the “Harrison Bergeron” assignment on Canvas.

During Reading

1. How is the idea of equality different (and/or similar) in 2081 as it is today? Nobody was
smarter than anybody else, nobody was better looking than anybody else, and none was stronger
than anybody else.

2. How “intelligent” are George and Hazel Bergeron? Hazel had a perfectly average
intelligence, which meant she couldn't think about anything except in short bursts. And
George, while his intelligence was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio
in his ear. He was required by law to always wear it. It was tuned to a government
transmitter.

3. Why does George have to wear the technology and restraints? What would happen if
George tries to alter his restraints (e.g., if he removes weight)?
George must were the technology and restraints he has a way above average intelligent. If he
removes or alters his restrains, he will go to jail and must pay a fine.

4. What can we infer from the fact that Hazel has tears on her cheeks, but she has forgotten
for the moment what caused her to cry? Hazel can only think in short burst because of her
average intelligence. She is unsure and confused as to why she is crying. We can infer
that she believed that the ballerinas dance was beautiful or that she was thinking of the
society they live in.
 5. Describe the news announcer. What is interesting or different about these announcers?
The announcer has a severe speech impediment, as do all announcers, and
cannot manage to read the news about Harrison’s jailbreak.

6. Describe Harrison’s handicaps. What has the Handicapper General’s Office required him
to wear, and why? The Handicapper General forces him to wear the most extreme
handicaps reflecting his extraordinary attributes: huge earphones and
spectacles intended to make him half blind and give him tremendous headaches,
disfiguring makeup in the form of blackened teeth and a red rubber nose to mask his
extraordinary looks, and so many weights to compensate his prodigious strength that they
make him look more like a junk yard than a man.

7. Describe the way that Harrison and the ballerina dance. Harrison and the
Ballerina’s dance is a powerful performance that speaks to the human
condition and our collective struggles with love, loss, and identity.

8. What do George and Hazel’s reactions to Diana Moon Glampers’ actions at the end of
the story tell you about the influence the government has on the country’s thinking?
When something happens like on the television, it'd make the people of the society think about it
but soon they either forget due to a transmitter or their intelligence.

After Reading

9. Describe the setting of “Harrison Bergeron” in 1-3 sentences: The

setting of
“Harrison Bergeron” is always in the distant future in a bleak place
where mediocrity is admired. Because of the feeling of dullness in the
setting, it gives a platform for the government to equalize everyone.
 10. Pick one character from the story, and describe your character. Reflect on the PAIRS
method (i.e., Physical description, Attitude, Inner Thoughts, Reactions, and Speech)
from the last lesson to help with this.
P Wears a government transmitter in his ear, and has some metal weighing him down
A Annoyed frustrated
I Thanks, that society is terrible for it system
R Mostly desterilized to the handicaps and their comeuppances
S Speaks with some intermorph due to his mental handicap

11. Describe an example of internal and external conflict in “Harrison Bergeron.” Explain
how you know the conflicts are internal or external.

Internal Conflict: External Conflict:

George vs Self Harrison vs Society

George is conflicted on how he feels about Harrison is against society viewpoint on

society’s laws are important and necessary. reputation handicaps He is done it to be
On the other hand he doesn’t think that decides to revolt against it by removing his
ballerinas should have to wear handicap. restraints.