Answer:
Yes, situational irony is being used in "Harrison Bergeron," a dystopian short story written by Kurt Vonnegut.
The situational irony occurs when the protagonist, Harrison Bergeron, who is exceptionally intelligent and talented, rebels against the oppressive government's efforts to enforce absolute equality among all citizens. In this society, people with above-average abilities are handicapped to bring them down to the level of the average person.
Despite his handicaps, Harrison, a 14-year-old boy, manages to escape from his confinement and appears on live television. He removes his handicaps, revealing his exceptional strength, agility, and intelligence. He declares himself an Emperor and chooses a beautiful ballerina as his Empress. Together, they dance with extraordinary grace, defying the government's attempts to suppress individuality and excellence.
The situational irony lies in the fact that the government's efforts to achieve absolute equality through handicapping actually result in a situation where one individual breaks free from the oppressive system and displays the very qualities the government seeks to suppress. Instead of promoting equality, the government's actions lead to a demonstration of inequality and uniqueness in the character of Harrison Bergeron.
The story uses this situational irony to criticize the extreme pursuit of equality at the expense of individual freedom and human potential.
(I liked it) :)
Step-by-step explanation: