A-Z SHORT STORIES

Harrison Bergeron - Discussion

Guest Host: James W. Ceaser, posted on What So Proudly We Hail, URL: https://www.whatsoproudlywehail.org/videos

Vonnegut was politically active in many liberal-left political causes, giving numerous speeches on political issues of the day: he was, among other things, an ardent defender of free speech, an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War, and an advocate of socialism. His political views sometimes made it into his stories, which often combined science fiction, satire, and dark humor. His much-loved “Harrison Bergeron” is no exception, though there is considerable disagreement regarding the political message—if any—that Vonnegut was attempting to convey. Whatever the author’s intention, the story demands both careful reading and thoughtful reflection regarding the issues it raises.