Question

In the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, what are some prime examples of government overreach? How do they affect the lives of the characters involved? What message could Vonnegut be attempting to relay in regards to current events through this story

Answer 1

Answer:

Some examples of government overreach in the short story are the “handicap bags,” which are heavy bags placed in people's necks, a mental handicap radio that goes into one of the character's ear because it makes a noise to keep him away of taking "advantage" of his brain, and masks to "hide" beauty and make every one equal.

The characters described in the short story don't remember anything that happens and they can't think for themselves. They watch on TV how their son gets killed and they don't remember seconds after watching it.

Vonnegut's message could be that we have to embrace differences in today's society because it's important to think for ourselves and not be influenced or controlled by other people, television or even governments.

Explanation:

To complete this exercise, you have to read the short story "Harrison Bergeron" written by Kurt Vonnegut and then answer the questions.

This is a dystopic short story placed in 2081 and it describes a society that is completely equal, but the consequences of making everyone "equal" are extremely bad.