“Harrison Bergeron”
By Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Name:
Period:
Reading Quiz
True or False:
1. _______ George and Hazel Bergeron sent their son, Harrison, away for being defiant.
2. _______ Hazel does not require any handicaps.
3. _______ George is so annoyed with the sounds in his head, he is contemplating breaking the law
and removing his handicaps.
4. _______ Harrison was unable to get any of the ballerinas to dance with him.
5. _______ The Handicapper General kills Harrison and a ballerina.
Multiple Choice:
6. Which of the following were a part of Harrison’s handicaps?
a. Scrap metal all over his body
b. Scuba diving flippers on his feet
c. Red rubber ball on his nose
d. Both A and C
7. Who does Hazel bear a striking resemblance to?
a. Harrison
b. One of the ballerinas
c. Diana Moon Glampers
d. The Empress
8. What does Hazel suggest George do?
a. Take off his handicaps and have a rest.
b. Go break Harrison out of jail.
c. Request additional handicaps.
d. Change the channel as she doesn’t want to watch the ballerinas.
9. What does Harrison call himself when he storms onto the stage?
a. The Handicapper General
b. The King
c. The Abnormal One
d. The Emperor
10. When does Diana Moon Glampers kill Harrison and his Empress?
a. As they are making a run for it.
b. As they twirl in the air.
c. As soon as Harrison shows up and interrupts the ballerinas’ performance.
d. Right as Harrison breaks out of jail.
Short Essay Question:
11. Most of the characters we meet in “Harrison Bergeron” have ear phones in that transmit fairly loud
and annoying sounds. The purpose of these sounds is to interrupt their thought process. Why do
you think the government wants to interrupt or stop thought? How effective do you think this
method is in controlling the citizens?