Analysis of Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut

In the short story “Harrison Bergeron”, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. uses points of view to show how unfair the laws in this country are. These laws make people feel less of themselves and tend to hurt people. Along with most others, George feels like he should abide by the unfair rules, but people like Harrison fight against these same rules for freedom and justice. 

With the government making new laws to make everyone “equal”, Harrison has to constantly fight for not only his freedom but other citizens as well. “Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness…” (Vonnegut 4). For instance, when Harrison got into the studio on live tv and danced with the ballerina, he was breaking the law to inspire others to stand up against them. Even with the tragic outcome, Harrison and the ballerina most likely felt beyond free without the handicap or sash weights. 

George is a man who respects the laws instead of fighting against them. “Two years in prison and two thousand dollars fine” (Vonnegut 2). For example, George has to wear a handicap which plays loud noises in his ear every couple of minutes. Instead of complaining or doing something about it, George acts like there's nothing wrong with it. He’s too afraid to fight against the government because of the consequences that come behind doing so. 

The thing about Harrison and George is their father and son but they think so differently. “The bar snapped like celery” (Vonnegut 4). On one hand, there are people like Harrison who stand up for themselves and others. On the other hand, there are people like George who just sit around and listen to every law. That's why their feelings conflict because they both have different views on the laws and how to handle them.

In this country, the government has control over everything and no one has any say about it. In the real world, people wouldn’t stand for these laws, there would be riots and protests around every corner because of how unfair these laws are. It all starts with one person who inspires another to fight for change.