One of the fears described in dystopian fiction is the loss of individuality. People become uniformed cogs in an oppressive society, so the government could completely control them. Therefore, individualism can contribute greatly to maintaining freedom and independent thinking. In Harrison Bergeron, the author shares his vision of the future where individuality is under severe constraints, showing the consequences. This paper will analyze how certain story elements, such as the characters and the setting, support the theme of individualism’s virtue.
The main characters of Harrison Bergeron are the Bergerons, who represent various living modes in a society with enforced equality. Hazel Bergeron is an average woman who thinks “in short bursts,” and she has occasional revolutionary ideas that she cannot develop further (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 7). Her husband, George, possesses intelligence “way above normal,” which has to be handicapped like other advantages (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 7). As a result, he is also unable to analyze the events surrounding his son properly (Vonnegut, 1968). Lastly, Harrison Bergeron is an example of someone who perceives the oppression and fights it, but the outcome of his actions is fatal (Vonnegut, 1968). Thus, Vonnegut shows that while the characters have different circumstances, in a society where individualism is oppressed, they have no choice but to comply.
The setting in Harrison Bergeron is not new for the genre, but it is appropriate to convey the theme. The future is uncertain, and no one knows if the values will shift, or the governments will decide to have more control. Vonnegut uses the futuristic setting to speculate about potential threats to individual freedom. The three Amendments mentioned at the very beginning could be an allusion to those instrumental in abolishing slavery, but in the short story, they are used to ensure it (Vonnegut, 1968). Thus, the setting provides the ground to warn the reader about the bleak future where the government may repress individualism.
In conclusion, the theme of Harrison Bergeron is that individualism is essential for freedom and independent thinking, and the short story develops it by presenting the antithesis. Using a not completely unified family as an example, Vonnegut shows how they struggle to comprehend their rebellious son’s situation because they cannot think properly in a society where individuality is forbidden. Time will tell if the short story was prophetic or exaggerated.
Reference
Vonnegut, K. (1968). Welcome to the Monkey House. Dell Publishing.