Theme, Characterization, Archetypes, and Inferences: Harrison Bergeron Test - Angela Buehring | Laabri

Directions: Read the following excerpts and answer the questions that follow each one. When you come across any short answer questions, remember that you are NOT writing essays. DO write in complete sentences.

10

In the above passage, the reader can infer that the reason two of the eight ballerinas winced was because they were---

gifted in speech

intelligent

physically strong

athletically challenged

For context, the following excerpt is from the part where Hazel suggests that George lighten the bag of birdshot around his neck.

20

Write a statement of theme over the excerpt above. In other words, it should be true about the excerpt, and it should be an observation about life in general. Be sure to write in ONE complete sentence, and revise to make sure you are following the rules. Show your work, and write your final sentence in the answer box.

10

In which way is George different from Hazel?

Competition is a strong desire in George.

He has to wear a mental-handicap transmitter.

George wants to go back to the dark ages.

George thinks government-imposed equality is unfair.

10

Based on the number of handicaps Harrison wears, you can conclude that he is--

glad he does not live at home.

the same as everyone else.

dangerous to others in society.

above average in many ways.

For the rest of the questions, keep the entire story of "Harrison Bergeron" in mind.

10

The biggest conflict Harrison faces in the story is between--

wanting to dance with the ballerina versus wanting to keep his government-mandated restraints in place.

expressing his individuality versus accepting the rules of equality that the government has imposed.

finding a way to balance the handicaps he knows he must wear versus wanting to express his individuality.

visiting his parents in their home versus wanting to make a statement for individual rights on television.

20

Study the archetypal characters chart. Then, explain how Harrison fits one or more of these archetypal character patterns.

20

Because "Harrison Bergeron" falls into the genre of dystopian literature, it is a cautionary tale. What modern anxieties or issues do you think the story reflects upon, issues that Kurt Vonnegut (the author) is warning his readers about?