Matei Locka Ms. Sadeghi ENG2DB-04 6 March 2023 Symbolism and its effects on the dangers of equality in “Harrison Bergeron Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” explores the dangers of a society’s obsession with equality and without individualism. Vonnegut uses many literary devices to show the impact of equality on the characters and plot. However, the most significant literary device in the story is symbolism. Through the use of symbolism, Vonnegut demonstrates that the force of absolute equality can lead to the loss of identity and freedom. One of the most impactful symbols employed is the handicaps that the characters wear to enforce equality in their society, like the character, Harisson Bergeron, who is equipped with many handicaps, such as earphones that make loud noises and …show more content…
The spectacles were intended to make him not only half blind but to give him whanging headaches besides” (Vonnegut 3). This symbolizes the maltreating nature of society, which restricts individualism and promotes equality as much as possible. The handicaps, like earphones, glasses, masks, and other things, restrict everyone from really showing their whole self and identity. The handicaps show the need for conformity and unity in society and the negative impacts such a demand has on people. Furthermore, the character of Harrison Bergeron himself is a symbol of rebellion against society’s ideology of equality, as he is described as a person with extraordinary physical attributes, strength, and intelligence. Viewers of the story can identify this as said in the quote, “Harrison Bergeron, age fourteen, has just escaped from jail, where he was held on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government. He is a genius and an athlete, is under-handicapped” (3). His physical attributes, strength, and intelligence make him a symbol of rebellion against an