Harrison Bergeron

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The society in “Harrison Bergeron” is under State Control through the use of elaborate “handicaps.”

• How do George’s handicaps (earpiece, weighted bag) affect his thoughts throughout the story? (topic sentence)
• Explain how George’s handicaps affect his relationship with Hazel and Harrison OR how his handicaps affect his thoughts about State Control and/or Political Inaction.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, take a stance on the effectiveness of State Control through handicaps in the world of “Harrison Bergeron.”

2. “Harrison Bergeron” is a political satire.

• Select one theme—State Control, Arbitrary Justice, or Political Inaction—and state how the satirical elements work to communicate this theme. (topic sentence)
• Identify 1-3 examples of satire and explain how each reinforces the theme.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, take a stance on whether Vonnegut’s use of satire is effective in communicating the theme.

3. “Harrison Bergeron” contains characters who are politically active and others who are politically passive.

• What kinds of activism can change a society? (topic sentence)
• Identify 1-3 specific acts of political activism in the current world and connect them to the action/inaction of characters in the story.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, take a stance on whether political activism tends to improve a society.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. The first paragraph of the story establishes that everyone was equal “before God and the law.” How does this premise function in the story? What conflicts does it provoke or resolve? As you compose your essay, incorporate at least two quotes to support your argument. Cite your quotations in the format preferred by your teacher.

2. Consider the character of Harrison Bergeron. Is he a hero or a villain? How do hyperbole and satire contribute to his characterization? While it may be tempting to argue both sides, please choose hero or villain, and support your stance with specific examples of heroism or villainy from the story. Cite your quotations in the format preferred by your teacher.

3. The plot of “Harrison Bergeron” suggests that the ideals of equality and freedom are incompatible. Vonnegut’s extreme satire raises the question of whether this is true or not. Is it possible to have equality and freedom together? How should a society work to balance these two values? Support your argument with examples from the story and from today’s world. Cite your quotations in the format preferred by your teacher.