Question

Explain how Vonnegut uses flat, static characters like George Bergeron to develop his critique of 1950s American society.

Answer 1

To portray the 1950s American society as a blunt character which lacks identity when aiming for equality. The static characters show degressive growth in society.

Explanation

The character George Bergeron is from 'Harrison Bergeron' taken from Kurt Vonnegut's collection of short stories.

Here Vonnegut tries to show an imaginative world where every people are compelled to be equal by making them average.

Vonnegut tries to show, what happens if socialism is taken too much.

Answer 2

Vonnegut uses flat characters to exaggerate the lack of individuality that may result when a society seeks absolute equality. The fact that the characters are static emphasizes citizens’ inability to grow and change freely in a equal society.