Harrison Bergeron

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1960

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Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Background

Sociopolitical Context: The Cold War

“Harrison Bergeron” was published during the Cold War and is often interpreted as a satire of communism. The theme of “equality” was received by many audiences as a jab at the Soviet Union. When equality is the only goal, excellence is impossible. However, another interpretation is that “Harrison Bergeron” is a satire of the American misunderstanding of communism. The ridiculousness that arises from “total equality” is less a product of equality being a misguided goal and more a consequence of it being misunderstood. Since its publication, film adaptations have used different readings to inform their creative direction. In the United States, the story has been used both as a right-wing criticism of the left and a left-wing criticism of the right.

Authorial Context: Kurt Vonnegut

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Vonnegut is often hailed as one of the great American political satirists. In a career spanning more than 50 years, Vonnegut published novels, short stories, plays, and nonfiction works. His writing is heavily based on his experience in World War II as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allied bombing. His work is critical of war, authoritarianism, and government. Because of this, his writing is often seen as coming from the left.