1. Small Group Discussion
“Harrison Bergeron”
Small Group Discussion

2. Any questions about this short story?

3. Discussion Set Up Groups will be chosen by me today.
Will use discussion cards to discuss questions I pose to you.
You don’t have to write anything down today SO LONG AS no one is goofing off. If I feel you’re blowing this off, then you will have to start writing down your responses to these questions.

4. Question 1
Find the simile Vonnegut uses when he describes George Bergeron’s thoughts. Then, explain what’s compelling about the use of this particular simile. What can the reader infer from the use of this simile?

5. Question 2
Give two concrete examples from the text showing that, despite the government’s extreme efforts, people still aren’t equal in this society.

6. Question 3
After the announcer fumbles the bulletin and has to be replaced, Hazel says that he should still be given a raise because “he tried. That’s the big thing. He tried to do the best he could with what God gave him.” Is Hazel right? Should people be given credit at their workplaces or in school simply for trying, regardless of the result? Give a real-life example from your life, studies, or observations to support your stance.

7. Question 4
Harrison Bergeron, a genius and stellar athlete, must carry three hundred pounds in “the race of life.” In today’s world, is there a burden that exceptional people must carry? Think about both classmates and famous people as you examine this issue and explain your answer.

8. Question 5
Look at the narrator’s description of Harrison and the ballerina. What simile does the narrator use to describe the couple? How does this simile serve as an element of foreshadowing?

9. Question 6
At the end of the story, what is George’s advice to his wife? Is this good advice? Explain your answer.

10. Question 7
“Harrison Bergeron” was published in 1961 in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, and many scholars have suggested that the story should be viewed as a parable. Given the tensions in the U.S. during this period of history, what larger point might Kurt Vonnegut Jr. have been trying to make to the reader?

11. Question 8
On the next slide are the lyrics to “The Trees” by Rush. This song absolutely functions as a poem. So, that’s how we’re going to treat it. Take a few minutes to read and digest the poem silently. Then you will discuss how this song applies to the story.

12. “The Trees” by Rush
There is unrest in the forest There is trouble with the trees For the maples want more sunlight And the oaks ignore their pleas. The trouble with the maples (And they’re quite convinced they’re right) They say the oaks are just too lofty And they grab up all the light. But the oaks can’t help their feelings If they like the way they’re made And they wonder why the maples Can’t be happy in their shade.
There is trouble in the forest And the creatures all have fled As the maples scream “Oppression!” And the oaks just shake their heads. So the maples formed a union And demanded equal rights, “The oaks are just too greedy We will make them give us light.” Now there’s no more oak oppression For they passed a noble law And the trees are all kept equal By hatchet, axe, and saw.

13. Question 8
The rock band Rush wrote this song, “The Trees,” as an extended metaphor for modern life. How is society today similar to the unrest in the forest? Which group of people in your world might the oaks represent? Who might be the maples? What group wields the “hatchet, axe, and saw?” Explain the message the band is trying to deliver in this song. How does this message apply to “Harrison Bergeron”?