Response and Clarification:
"Harrison Bergeron" is a narrative written by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. The story unfolds in the year 2081, when the U.S. government enforces equality in the most bizarre ways. The Handicapper General mandates that those with advantages must wear handicaps to prevent others from feeling inferior in any way.
Harrison Bergeron is depicted as tall, athletic, attractive, and intellectually gifted; due to these traits, he is compelled to wear numerous handicaps to blend in with everyone else. His parents are George and Hazel. Hazel holds an "average intellect," whereas George is a highly intelligent individual also weighed down by a handicap. They witness their son as he boldly opposes the government by removing his handicaps on live television. Tragically, Harrison is ultimately killed. His mother expresses sorrow, but the dialogue that follows is as such:
“You been crying?” he said to Hazel.
“Yup,” she replied,
“What for?” he inquired.
“I forget,” she said. “Something really sad on TV.”
“What was it?” he asked.
“It’s all kind of mixed up in my head,” admitted Hazel.
“Forget sad things,” George advised.
“I always do,” Hazel responded.
I believe the significance of this dialogue lies in its portrayal of futility. Harrison's death seems meaningless. It's unlikely anyone will remember his actions or reasoning, not even his mother. Even those like Harrison, who might choose to resist the government, are bound, much like George. This short story is often interpreted as open-ended. However, I contend that this conversation indicates no transformation will occur. The government has successfully enforced control over its citizens. The death of Harrison yields no results.
