Saturday, November 12, 2011

In "Harrison Bergeron," what do people with above-average intelligence have to do?

In the world of Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron," equality is defined as the state in which no one can excel over anyone else in any way. This means people are subject to various kinds of handicaps. People who have athletic abilities are weighed down, while people with outstanding visual acuity have to wear glasses that interfere with their vision. People with above-average intelligence have their minds interfered with. For Harrison's father, George, this is accomplished with "a little mental handicap radio in his ear" (Vonnegut 1). This radio had to be tuned in to the government's transmitter, which transmits noises that interfere with George's ability to concentrate or to think. Harrison, whose intelligence seems to be even greater, poses a challenge to the Handicapper General's division. Instead of a small radio transmitter in one ear, he is forced to wear large earphones, presumably so he can receive interfering transmissions in both ears. These are probably louder transmissions, too. These, along with the other handicaps imposed upon Harrison, are not enough to prevent him from trying to overthrow the government. 

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