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Symbolism In Harrison Bergeron

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Thesis: In Kurt Vonnegut 's story, "Harrison Bergeron," symbolism, tone, and irony reveal the author 's message to the reader which is his perspective on equality. Notably, there are countless symbols in the narrative "Harrison Bergeron" all of which trace back to the theme of the story. The handicaps people are forced to wear are symbols for the control the government has over people. "George was toying with the vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn 't be handicapped. But he didn 't get very far with it before another noise in his ear radio scattered his thoughts (Vonnegut)." Harrison Bergeron is a symbol himself, he stands for every person who has ever thought of overthrowing the government. "She fired twice, and the Emperor and the Empress were dead before they hit the floor. Diana Moon Glampers loaded the gun again. She aimed it at the musicians and told them they had ten seconds to get their handicaps back on (Vonnegut)." The television Hazel and George watch has a significant role in the story as it is the only source of news in the otherwise empty home, it is the link between society and the government. "George and Hazel were watching television. There were tears on Hazel 's cheeks, but she 'd forgotten for the moment what they were about (Vonnegut)." "But George had gone out into the kitchen for a can of beer. George came back in with the beer, paused while a handicap signal shook him up. And then he sat down again. "You been crying" he said

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