Group:
Teacher:
Class:
Date:
Directions: After reading “Harrison Bergeron”, answer the questions below as a group. Make sure to
use MLA Formatting when citing your quotes. “Example” (Vonnegut 1).
1. What is the tone of this story? Cite a quote.
2. Describe the state of the U.S. society as described in the first paragraph. Cite a quote.
3. How has “equality” been achieved? Based on the reading, what do you feel is the author’s view
on equality? Cite a quote.
4. When Harrison Bergeron is completely free from his handicaps, he defies the laws of gravity and
motion. What might the author be suggesting about the potential of free human beings? Cite a
quote.
5. What is symbolic of the dance that Harrison performs with the ballerina? Cite a quote.
6. In traditional stories, the hero is a superhuman figure, who "saves" people from an enemy. Cite
a passage where Harrison appears to be superhuman?
7. Do the handicaps symbolize true equality? Explain.
8. Complete the chart below. Cite examples of Dystopian Elements found in the story.
Dystopian Element
1.
Society, Ecology, Economy, Politics,
Conformity, Disharmony, Technology,
Example:
#1
#2
#3
#4
Conformity
Example From Story
Everyone is equal in every way