Question

question 7 of 20
read this passage from \harrison bergeron\ by kurt vonnegut:

the year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. they
werent only equal before god and the law. they were equal
every which way. nobody was smarter than anybody else.
nobody was better looking than anybody else. nobody
was stronger or quicker than anybody else. all this equality
was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th amendments to
the constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents
of the united states handicapper general.

which statement best explains how irony is used in the passage?

a. a government agency is established to enforce a law that is
unconstitutional.

b. nearly 200 amendments have been added to the constitution
since its ratification.

c. people are burdened with handicaps to be made equal in the eyes
of the law.

d. the constitution, which guarantees personal freedom, is amended
to deny it.

Explanation:

Irony occurs when there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. The Constitution is supposed to guarantee personal freedom. But here, it is amended (211th, 212th, 213th Amendments) to deny freedom (by making everyone 'equal' through handicaps). This is ironic.

• Option A: There is no indication the law (amendments) is unconstitutional in the passage.
• Option B: The number of amendments is just a fact, no ironic contrast.
• Option C: While people have handicaps, the key irony is related to the Constitution's role (guaranteeing vs denying freedom), not just the handicaps and equality before law.

Answer:

D. The Constitution, which guarantees personal freedom, is amended to deny it.