Question

choose one of the following questions, and write a response.

• what do you think of this story? which elements seem important or worth exploring?
• if you lived in the society described in the story, which handicapping device do you think would be the hardest to bear? why?

summary
write a brief summary of the story to make sure you understand it. remember to include only the storys main events in your summary.
analysis

1. (a) summarize what is the state of american society in this story? (b) make inferences what circumstances, not explained in the story itself, might have led to the countrys decisions to enact equality laws? explain.
2. (a) speculate if harrison were to become “emperor,” how do you think he would rule? explain, citing story details to support your answer. (b) take a position do you think harrison is a hero? explain.
3. (a) compare and contrast in what ways are harrisons and georges handicaps similar and different? explain. (b) make inferences in what ways are harrisons and georges attitudes toward their handicaps different? explain, citing specific textual details that support your answer.
4. (a) evaluate in your opinion, what, if anything, is wrong with the definition of equality adopted by the society in “harrison bergeron”? (b) define how would you define equality? explain.

explore the essential question
what is the relationship between power and freedom?

1. (a) what have you learned about freedom from reading this story? (b) the society in this story seems to value its idea of equality more than individual freedoms. in what ways does our society limit individual freedom in order to protect other values? record your ideas in your evidence log.

Explanation:

These questions pertain to analyzing the story "Harrison Bergeron". For 1(a), one must summarize the state of American - society in the story, which involves identifying key elements like the use of handicaps to enforce equality. For 1(b), inferences need to be made about the circumstances leading to equality laws, considering factors not explicitly stated. In 2(a), speculation about Harrison's rule as "Emperor" requires using story details. For 2(b), taking a position on whether Harrison is a hero involves evaluating his actions and motives. In 3(a), comparing and contrasting handicaps of Harrison and George looks at their nature and effects. In 3(b), analyzing attitudes towards handicaps needs textual evidence. In 4(a), evaluating the society's equality definition requires critical thinking. In 4(b), defining equality is a subjective task based on one's understanding. In 5(a), learning about freedom from the story involves reflecting on its portrayal. In 5(b), relating the story's concept to real - world limitations on individual freedom for other values requires real - world knowledge and reflection.

Answer:

1. (a) In the story, American society enforces equality through extreme means like handicapping the talented and gifted to bring them down to the level of the least capable. Everyone is made "equal" by law, with no one allowed to be smarter, stronger, or more beautiful than others.

(b) Possible circumstances could include a long - standing desire to eliminate envy and social unrest. Perhaps a series of class conflicts or a fear of a small elite ruling over the masses led to the push for absolute equality.

1. (a) If Harrison were to become "Emperor," he might rule with a focus on individual freedom and the celebration of human potential. He rebelled against the handicaps, so he could promote a society where people are free to express their true abilities.

(b) Harrison can be seen as a hero because he defied an unjust system that suppressed individuality. However, some might argue he is not a hero as his actions were extreme and could lead to chaos.

1. (a) Similarities: Both Harrison and George have handicaps that limit their natural abilities. Differences: Harrison's handicaps are more severe due to his extreme talents, while George's are more standard for an average person in the society.

(b) Harrison hates his handicaps and rebels against them, as seen when he tears them off on live television. George seems more resigned to his handicaps, as he doesn't attempt to remove them despite the discomfort.

1. (a) The society's definition of equality is wrong because it suppresses individual potential and freedom. It forces everyone to be the same in a negative way, rather than celebrating differences.

(b) Equality can be defined as equal opportunities for all to pursue their goals, while respecting the rights and differences of others. It doesn't mean everyone has to be the same in terms of abilities.

1. (a) Freedom is not just the absence of physical constraints but also the ability to express one's true self and talents without suppression.

(b) In our society, individual freedom can be limited by laws against hate speech to protect the well - being and dignity of others, or by environmental regulations to protect the planet for future generations.