Harrison BergeronWould an ordinary citizen appreciate being a dancer as skilled as a ballerina? Or as smart as everyone else? In Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s story about Harrison Bergeron, handicaps, such as small radios that emit high-pitched sounds, are used to prevent individuals from having more intellectual thoughts than others. The year is 2081 and everyone is equal in every way. Handicapped George and his wife Hazel are watching a ballet show. The show is interrupted by an announcement to watch out for his son, Harrison Bergeron, as he is handicapped and dangerous. The conflict begins when Harrison enters the studio and declares himself to be the Emperor. He finds his dancer Empress and dances with her before being shot and killed by General Handicapper Diana, resolving the conflict. This event is a more specific account of Harrison's conflict with current society as a whole, which is reflected through the use of themes, symbolism, and point of view. Harrison Bergeron's statement on the topic is that egalitarianism is inefficient and will ultimately be resisted by society. Competition is what drives society forward, and if everyone is equal, we will not develop as one. Many of the people in the story are unable to complete their basic tasks or jobs. "It was not clear what the bulletin was about, as the announcer, like all announcers, had a serious speech impediment." this is unreasonable since it is the announcer's job to convey the news, and when he is unable to do so, he has lost his purpose (61). Equality is that everyone receives the same, while justice is that everyone receives what they need. “She must have been extraordinarily beautiful, because the mask she wore was hideous.” This is an example of the corruption...... middle of paper...... Perhaps it is the same broadcast broadcast over and over again to propagandize what would happen if someone defied the law. “You were crying…yeah…something really sad on television.” (64) It shows that the population has been silenced to the point that they cannot even remember what they have just seen. In a society where talents are so handicapped that they cannot even function, the theme reflects the impracticality and dangers of egalitarianism. Harrison Bergeron symbolizes defiance and survival alongside the TV which symbolizes brainwashing. The third-person narrator creates an effective and fair method to detail all the events of this futuristic society. Harrison Bergeron's conflict creates an understanding of the outcome of total equality. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. emphasizes the need for competition and individuality in society, to live with freedom and prosperity.