110k views
4 votes
Is Harrison Bergeron a hero or a threat to society?

Explain your thinking in a well-crafted paragraph.

2 Answers

5 votes
Harrison is considered to be a hero in his society. He is considered to be a hero because he stood up for his beliefs, he saved people from handicaps, and was the only one to take action. Therefore, Bergeron is considered to be a hero to his society.
User DirkH
by
7.7k points
6 votes
In Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron," Harrison is portrayed as both a hero and a threat to society. On one hand, he is a hero because he challenges the oppressive and conformist society in which he lives. He is a symbol of individuality and freedom, and his desire to be free from the "handicaps" imposed on him by the government represents a desire for self-expression and autonomy that is admirable. Furthermore, his rebellion and subsequent death inspire others in the society to question the status quo and the government's control over their lives.

On the other hand, Harrison is also a threat to society because his actions disrupt the stability and order of the government's totalitarian regime. His rebellion is seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the government and its ability to control the population. Furthermore, his extraordinary abilities, which are considered "handicaps" in this society, would be disruptive to the equality that the government strives to maintain.

In conclusion, Harrison Bergeron is a complex character that can be seen as both a hero and a threat to society depending on one's perspective. He challenges the oppressive government and stands for individuality, but his actions also disrupt the society's stability and order.
User Diazlp
by
7.1k points