Harrison Bergeron Study Guide

People who seem to be above average in any area are given handicaps by the United States Handicapper General. These handicaps are forms of physical handicaps that are placed upon the individuals in order to bring them down to an average level. For example, a strong man may be given a forty-seven pound bag of birdshot to wear around his neck. Those who have above average intelligence are given little radio transmitters that make obnoxious noises inside their heads every twenty seconds. These transmitters are designed to prevent anyone from thinking about any one thing or idea for more than twenty seconds at a time. (read more)