Summary of "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut

Setting

• Year: 2081
• Constitutional changes ensure equal treatment for all citizens in the United States.

Main Themes

• Equality vs. Individuality: The story explores the extremes of enforced equality at the cost of individuality, talent, and beauty.
• Government Control: The role of the Handicapper General in maintaining equality through oppression.

Characters

• Diana Moon Glampers: U.S. Handicapper General, enforcer of equality laws.
• George Bergeron: Father of Harrison, wears handicaps to suppress his intelligence and strength.
• Hazel Bergeron: Mother of Harrison, represents the average citizen, lacks handicaps due to her natural normalcy.
• Harrison Bergeron: Protagonist, a gifted 14-year-old boy, taken by the Handicapper General for his abilities.

Plot Summary

• The Bergerons Watching TV: George and Hazel watch a dance program, interrupted by George's mental handicap device.
  • George feels tired but refuses to remove his physical handicap (lead bag) due to fear of punishment.
• Harrison's Escape: News reports show Harrison escaping from jail, described as a dangerous criminal.
• Harrison's Rebellion: He enters a TV studio, declares himself Emperor, and removes his handicaps.
  • Chooses a dancer as his Empress and liberates her flaws.
  • They dance beautifully, floating in mid-air, representing freedom and true talent.
• Climactic Ending: Diana Moon Glampers arrives with a shotgun, shooting Harrison and the Empress, re-establishing control.
• Final Scene: George returns to the room, unaware of the tragedy, while Hazel cries but forgets why due to her mental handicap.

Conclusion

• The story ends with Hazel commenting on the mental distractions, reinforcing the theme of enforced ignorance.

About the Author: Kurt Vonnegut

• Born in Indianapolis; studied chemistry, engineering, and anthropology.
• Served in WWII and was a prisoner of war.
• Worked as a reporter and public relations writer.
• Known for dark humor and anti-war themes, with notable works including "Cat's Cradle" and "Slaughterhouse-Five."
• His writing remains influential, and he maintained popularity until his death in 2007.