Harrison Bergeron Essay

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Harrison Bergeron: A Contrast of Character. Character. The character of the character. When defined as a sentient being within the narrative, this story has many characters. Though, the word can also be defined as the personality and traits of a person. These traits, and more specifically, the skills, advantages, and disadvantages one person could have are obsolete in this story. These inequalities that define who a person is, or can be, are seen as reckless and unnecessary because of the system that each of the characters reside in. Therein lies what could be seen as the main driving theme of this writing by Kurt Vonnegut. The story of “Harrison Bergeron” takes place in a world completely lacking in individuality, where Harrison’s rebellious and strong-willed character …show more content…

Over time, this has caused him to form the same philosophy as Hazel—and presumably anyone else—toward society; that nobody is more exceptional at something than another person is. Nobody can be above that one law. George himself asks Hazel, “‘The minute people start cheating on laws, what do you think happens to society?’” (5), only further expressing the core belief that everyone must be this way for society to function. Finally, we come to the “hero” of our story, Harrison Bergeron. A man born with such ability and intelligence that he had the strength to rebel against the Handicapper General’s laws. Even after being apprehended by the H-G men, Harrison was able to escape custody by unknown, likely unnaturally exceptional means, and make his way to a television studio as a broadcast was live. Right away, he made it clear that he recognized the incompetence of the uniform, unremarkable society. His words, “‘Even as I stand here. crippled, hobbled, sickened—I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now watch me become what I can become!’” (7) expresses his understanding that he is above the rest. He is truly an individual, and he has the

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