Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr - Book Report/Review Example

The paper "Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr." is a worthy example of a book review on literature. In this story, which takes place in the year 2081, Kurt Vonnegut describes the extremes the government goes to in an attempt to create total equality in the society. Basically, the government puts different forms of limitations on its citizens in order to enhance equality. This is nothing but torture to the citizens. Unfortunately, society cannot continue as described in the story because it will simply be full of people who cannot think and act independently. 

The government uses cruel strategies that limit people’s freedoms. For example, the intelligent are forced to wear a radio twenty–four hours a day. Through the radio, the government broadcasts noises that interfere with their thoughts. In such a society, such intelligent persons cannot make meaningful contributions to society. Inventions and innovations, for instance, will be a thing of the past. As a result, society cannot meaningfully progress or develop. Furthermore, this society has no chance of continuing because the government murders the intelligent. For example, when Harrison Bergeron attempted to go against the government, he was shot by Diana Moon Glampers, the Handicapper General.
The America of 2081, as described in the story, cannot continue because of there general lack of competition. Through competition, people strive to do their best in every field. However, in this society, the government has eliminated such competition. This only helps to make the people lazy. In the end, society will simply wither out. The government has created a society where people care less about themselves and others because of a lack of competition. In the story, the author shows that George and Hazel are quite satisfied with the way things are. This is how most of the people in society think. This reduces the chances of such a society surviving.
The repercussions of the people are great. The government has turned them into some form of robots that are remotely controlled. For these people, they risk having a society full of ‘zombies.’ They are not only going to be controlled by the government but also denied the basic freedoms of life such as freedom of speech, an association among others. In the end, the people are staring at a future where nothing will be accomplished in society because people’s talents and abilities have been suppressed by the government. Read More