Question

which sentence best describes george bergerons characterization in \harrison bergeron\?

he is a static character, because he has become dehumanized by government controls.
he is a dynamic character, because he becomes angry with the police for arresting his son.
he is a static character, because he has average intelligence.
he is a dynamic character, because he attempts to remove that bag that carries his handicap radio device.

Explanation:

Analyze George's character type

In Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron," George Bergeron is subjected to intense mental and physical handicaps by the government. Throughout the story, he does not undergo any inner change, growth, or development. This makes him a static character.

Evaluate the static character options

We must choose between the two options labeling him as static:

1. "He is a static character, because he has become dehumanized by government controls."
2. "He is a static character, because he has average intelligence."

While George is described as having above-average intelligence (which is why he must wear a mental handicap radio), the government's constant disruptive signals prevent him from utilizing it. The overarching thematic purpose of his static nature is to show how he has been completely desensitized and dehumanized by these oppressive controls, unable to even process the tragedy of his son's death. This supports the analysis using Textual Evidence.

Eliminate incorrect options

George does not become angry with the police, nor does he attempt to remove his handicap bag (he actively refuses to, stating it's not worth the fine and prison). Thus, he is not a dynamic character, eliminating those choices.

Answer:

• (A) He is a static character, because he has become dehumanized by government controls. (Correct answer)
• (B) He is a dynamic character, because he becomes angry with the police for arresting his son.
• (C) He is a static character, because he has average intelligence.
• (D) He is a dynamic character, because he attempts to remove that bag that carries his handicap radio device.