Question

Read this passage from "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut:

The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They
weren't 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?
OA. Nearly 200 amendments have been added to the Constitution
since its ratification.
OB. The Constitution, which guarantees personal freedom, is amended
to deny it.
OC. A government agency is established to enforce a law that is
unconstitutional.
O D. People are burdened with handicaps to be made equal in the eyes
of the law.

Answer 1

The passage uses irony to criticize the idea of forced equality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the situation described. In the story, the government has enforced extreme equality by handicapping individuals who excel in certain areas. This goes against the principles of personal freedom and individuality that the Constitution is supposed to protect. The irony lies in the fact that the Constitution, which guarantees personal freedom, is amended to deny it in the pursuit of equality.

Learn more about irony in the passage