Harrison Bergeron, Kurt Vonnegut: Summary & Analysis

Plot Summary 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical dystopian story set in the future America of 2081, where absolute equality has been achieved by handicapping those who possess exceptional abilities. The protagonist, George Bergeron, and his wife, Hazel, live in a society where nobody is allowed to be stronger, more beautiful, or more intelligent than others. The Handicapper General, Diana Moon Glampers, enforces these laws by making people wear handicaps that limit their talents and potential. George and Hazel have a son named Harrison, who is taken away to be handicapped due to his extraordinary strength and intelligence. George is subjected to earpieces that transmit distracting noises, and he carries heavy birdshot to diminish his athleticism. The couple watches ballerinas on television, but George is unimpressed because their beauty is hidden behind masks mandated by law. However, the broadcast is interrupted with news of Harrison's escape from jail, where…
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Harrison Bergeron, Kurt Vonnegut: Summary & Analysis

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