Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron

Imagine a world where everyone is the same, equal. No one is better than each other. No one is more beautiful, smarter, or stronger than another. Life is believe to peaceful. But there is a danger to this equality. The short story, “Harrison Bergeron,” written by Kurt Vonnegut expresses this scenario. The story is located in a utopian society where the government forces the citizens to wear handicaps so everyone can be the same. Harrison Bergeron, who is smart, athletic and handsome, opposes this system. The handicapped general caught him and killed him. Life returns back to normal. The literary elements of characterization, setting, and theme helps understand the threat of absolute equality. Characterization is one of the key literary elements to have a clearer knowledge of the story. Harrison Bergeron is a character who had many handicaps to follow the rules of the government. He had earphones, spectacles with thick lens, three

"You been crying" he said to Hazel. "Yup, " she said. "What about?" he said. "I forget," she said. "Something real sad on television." "What was it?" he said. "It's all kind of mixed up in my mind," said Hazel. "Forget sad things," said George. "I always do," said Hazel (4). Vonnegut has many thoughts about equality and conformity. He is saying that everyone should have equality. But there are dangers and disadvantages of having a full on equality. Vonnegut shows the negative side of an utopian society. He is saying that it is good to have equality, but not everyone should have the same traits. Being difference is a good thing. The outcome of of an utopian society is not beneficial. Conformity is not also the best thing. If everyone behaviors are the same, then the same events will happen just the the story. There is not any growth in a equal word. Vonnegut is showing people that having a equal utopian society is not the most