“Harrison Bergeron”
Short story by Kurt Vonnegut
Dystopian
How does a writer use literary terms?
Why effect do the literary terms have on the story?
Anachronism

a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists,
especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned.
Allusion Definition
 brief
and indirect reference to a person,
place, thing or idea of historical, cultural,
literary or political significance.
 How does it work?
It does not describe in detail the person or thing to
which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the
writer expects the reader to possess enough
knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its
importance in a text. Works on prio knowledge
(must be knowledgeable!)
Allusion in Harrison Bergeron

H-G men: alludes to the abbreviation ‘‘G-men’’ (for government agents; i.e.,
Secret Service agents, FBI agents)

Diana Moon refers to the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana, who is associated
with the moon. Diana was known for her vengeance, which could explain the
ruthless killing of Harrison Bergeron

Thor, identified in the story as the god of thunder, was, in Norse mythology,
the oldest and most powerful son of Odin, king of the gods. He possessed
great strength and skill in fighting. This allusion serves to underscore
Harrison's strength without his handicaps.
Satire Definition

Technique to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual
or a society

Uses humor, irony, exaggeration, ridicule, etc.

It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles.

A writer in a satire uses fictional characters, which stand for real people, to
expose and condemn their corruption.
Satire in Harrison Bergeron

The author satirizes the notion of handicapping people to enforce equality,

the failure of rebellion,

the apathy engendered in people who watch television,

authoritarian government.
Setting (see literary terms sheet)
 2081
 United
States (because the mention of
Amendments)
 Living room in the house
 Social context/environment: everyone
is equal
Point of View (see literary terms sheet)
third-person-limited point of view

the narrator is not a character in the story, but he is privy to the thoughts of one character.

Readers are allowed to know what George Bergeron is thinking, as when he "was toying with the
vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn't be handicapped.''
Objective Narrator:
The events in "Harrison Bergeron'' are related by an objective narrator. The narrator does not draw
conclusions, make decisions, or make judgments about the events. The objectivity of the narrator
suggests a distancing from the hostile world of the story.
Theme Definition

A central idea or statement that unifies and controls an entire literary work.

it may be a single idea such as "progress" or “betrayal”

directly stated in the book, or it may only be implied.

Is NOT the subject

For example, a writer may choose a subject of war for his story and the theme of a story may
be writer’s personal opinion that war is a curse for humanity.
Themes in Harrison Bergeron
 Freedom
or Equality
 Conformity
 Oppression
 Ignorance vs. knowledge
 Rebellion
 Civil Rights
 Abuse of power
 More…
Assignment

Complete the vocab

Complete the study guide questions 1-14

Write a theme statement on the worksheet after question #14 (see orange
sheet)