Literary Tools In Harrison Bergeron

Literary Tools Utilized in Harrison Bergeron

No two individuals among the billions of people that inhabit our planet are exactly alike, whether that be physically or psychologically. A vital part of growing up is discovering these differences and which areas we excel in and focus on. Of course, this journey of self-discovery also may lead us to the uncomfortable truth that other individuals possess superior traits or capabilities in certain areas. When this reality is realized by an individual, maturity in the form of humility retains their self-confidence while also appreciating the other individual’s strengths. A person lacking this maturity only invites bitterness and jealousy, negatively affecting his/her quality of

The man who cannot reconcile with the reality that others excel in certain areas superior to himself and resorts to ill intents mirrors the government represented in Harrison Bergeron. However, the one terrifying difference is that the government possesses a far more potent power over a large population, compared to an average individual, much like a tyrant. The strict, forced adherence to the laws of equality and standardization presents a tyrannical form of government that is diametrically opposed to the progressive nature and individuality of humans. In the text, outlandish penalties are in effect to deter removal of the government issued handicaps as stated by George Bergeron, “Two years in prison and two thousand dollars fine (Vonnegut),” for even a single lead ball removed. Furthermore, drawing near to the conclusion of Vonnegut’s short story, the government demonstrates a bloody display of destroying opposition when both Harrison Bergeron and his empress were slaughtered by the Handicapper General. Correspondingly, tyrants shackle the undying loyalty of their subjects through coercion and by publicly extinguishing even the most subtle forms of defiance. Moreover, referencing historical examples of similar societies such as dictatorships and cults, the people caged within are held to indoctrination that portrays their ruling system as good and differing systems as bad. This characteristic is made abundantly clear in the text when George explains to Hazel why he will not remove his lead weights explaining “, then other people'd get away with it-and pretty soon we'd be right back to the dark ages again, with everybody competing against everybody else (Vonnegut).” George’s understanding, or rather his society’s norm, paints the system of freedom to use one’s gifts as a