In what ways do any of the characters in Harrison Bergeron change from the beginning of the story to the end? What is the author saying about the human condition based on the development of these characters?
Question
In what ways do any of the characters in Harrison Bergeron change from the beginning of the story to the end? What is the author saying about the human condition based on the development of these characters?
Solution
"Harrison Bergeron" is a dystopian short story written by Kurt Vonnegut, in which the government has made every effort to make everyone completely equal in every aspect.
The main characters in the story are Harrison Bergeron, his parents George and Hazel Bergeron, and Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General.
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Harrison Bergeron: At the beginning of the story, Harrison is described as a genius and an athlete, who is handicapped by the government to make him equal to everyone else. He is imprisoned for plotting to overthrow the government. However, he escapes from jail and goes to a TV studio, where he declares himself emperor and chooses a ballerina as his empress. He removes his handicaps and encourages others to do the same. But at the end, he is shot dead by Diana Moon Glampers. His character doesn't change much throughout the story, but his actions symbolize rebellion against the oppressive government.
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George Bergeron: George is intelligent and has a good physique, so he is handicapped by the government. He is aware of the oppressive nature of the government but doesn't do anything about it. At the end of the story, he witnesses his son's death on TV but quickly forgets it due to his handicaps. His character remains the same throughout the story, symbolizing the suppressed and controlled society.
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Hazel Bergeron: Hazel is of average intelligence and is not handicapped. She is a law-abiding citizen who doesn't question the government's rules. She witnesses her son's death on TV but forgets it quickly. Her character also remains the same throughout the story, representing the ignorance and complacency of society.
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Diana Moon Glampers: She is the Handicapper General who enforces the laws of equality. She shoots Harrison and his empress on live TV, showing the government's ruthless control over society. Her character doesn't change throughout the story.
Based on the development of these characters, Vonnegut seems to be saying that the human condition is complex and cannot be made equal through artificial means. He also seems to be criticizing the idea of enforced equality, suggesting that it suppresses individuality, creativity, and progress. Furthermore, he seems to be warning against the dangers of an oppressive government and a complacent society.
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