Final answer:
In "Harrison Bergeron", Kurt Vonnegut criticizes extreme equality and advocates for individuality, as evidenced by quotes highlighting the absurdity of total equality and suppression of personal talents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author Kurt Vonnegut, in his short story "Harrison Bergeron," aims to critique the notion of forced equality and the dangers of excessive governmental control. The correct answer to the student's question is A. Equality is detrimental to society and B. Individuality should be embraced. As support, one can reference the quotes:
- “They weren’t only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way.”
- “…and Hazel’s childbearing went unremarkable. The law required that they live in the same house, but they were both almost perfect examples of what Tv announcer meant when he said: ‘all persons more equal’. Now, look at the Bergerons!”
These quotes underscore the absurdity of enforced equality and the suppression of individual talents, suggesting that individuality is an inherent value which should be recognized and celebrated.